Gateshead is a metropolitan borough in the northeast of England, on the south bank of the River Tyne, facing Newcastle across the water. It sits within the county of Tyne and Wear, and many visitors come to it as part of a wider trip to the Newcastle and Tyneside area.
What to see
The borough is best known for the Angel of the North, the large steel sculpture that stands beside the A1 road and the railway line on the approach to the area. It is one of the most recognisable pieces of public art in the country, and it makes a striking stop whether you are travelling by car, by train or on foot. Its scale is best appreciated up close, where the wide outstretched wings and the steel surface become far more impressive than they look from a distance.
Planning your visit
- The Angel of the North is a sculpture in an open setting, so it can be seen at any time, though weather on the exposed site can be bracing.
- Gateshead lies directly across the river from Newcastle, so it is easy to combine the two in a single day.
- Its position on the Tyne makes the riverside a pleasant setting for a walk between the two banks.
Gateshead suits visitors who want a short, focused trip built around a landmark, with the wider attractions of Tyneside close at hand. It is a place to come for a clear purpose and then carry on exploring the region.
