Newcastle & Angel of the North @ Ease

by coach & on foot

This experience is ideally suited to those wishing to see some of the highlights of Newcastle and its surroundings from the comfort of your coach.

Departing from the port, your journey will take you west into Newcastle for a sightseeing drive through the city. You will see the elegant golden sandstone architecture of Grainger Town - the historic heart of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. Gracing the classical streets built by Richard Grainger in the 1830s and 1840s, the buildings are renowned for their design and history. Unsurprisingly, a large percentage of them are listed properties.

You will pass the 15th century St. Nicholas Cathedral, one of the smallest cathedrals in Britain, and see Grey’s Monument - a landmark meeting place for locals and visitors since its erection in 1838. Built to commemorate the services of Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey, a tireless anti-slavery campaigner, the monument is an integral part of the city.

Your journey continues south away from the city for a chance to view the Angel of the North. Instantly recognisable against the Tyneside skyline, Antony Gormley’s Angel of the North is possibly the country’s most famous work of public modern art. Its hilltop site was selected so that the sculpture could be seen by more than 90,000 drivers who travel on the A1 daily, and by passengers riding the East Coast main line railway between London and Edinburgh. Construction began in 1994 and was completed in 1998. The statue weighs 200 tons and stands 20m (65ft) tall with an incredible 54m (177ft) wingspan. Its rich, red-brown hue comes from its weathered, steel construction. Your coach will pull off the main road and park so that you may, if you wish, disembark to take a photo and perhaps walk the short distance uphill along a grassy pathway for a closer look at the sculpture.

Following this, relax during the return drive to the Port of Tyne.