Length of tour: 1.5 - 2 hours
Starting point: Gateshead Interchange
This tour takes in many iconic building - from the Angel of the North to the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and the Sage Gateshead.
Start at Gateshead Interchange and see the 'opening line.'
- The opening line was created by Danny Lane. Composed of 19 elements in steel and glass, the sculpture runs for over 90 metres and incorporates elements of engineering and maritime culture to reflect the history of Gateshead. Next, head for Stand K and catch any number of buses (X1, 724, 728, 709 and 723) to the Shipley Art Gallery. (Ask the driver if you can have a ticket to the Gateshead war memorial. The journey only takes five minutes). When you arrive, cross over at the lights, with the memorial on your right, and you will see the Shipley Art Gallery.
- The Shipley Art Gallery was named after Joseph Shipley (1822 - 1909), a local solicitor who achieved great wealth through his job and ploughed some of his cash into collecting paintings. When he died, his large collection was given to the Shipley Bequest - hence the creation of the gallery.
- Just inside the main entrance, check out the goat on the wall to your right. It once graced one of the town’s old pubs, The Goat Inn, but it is possible that the name of the town itself is rooted in the stories of goats once roaming freely on the high ground, or headland, to the south east. So, “goat’s head”, evolved into “Gateshead.”
- One of the gallery’s must-see pieces is the famous painting Blaydon Races (WC Irving 1866-1943) which is teeming with life and depicts the goings on of Tyneside’s most famous anthem.
- Next head down the road (with the gallery on your left) to Central Library which houses a Tourist Information Centre.
- Here you will come across Caedmon Hall and The Gallery, a space for temporary exhibitions by professional artists. Then turn back towards the Shipley Art Gallery and turn right down Shipcote Lane and left along Avenue Road until you reach the Little Theatre.
- The Little Theatre is home to the progressive players - an acting troupe that has existed for over 80 years. Across the road you will come across the entrance to Saltwell Park.
- Saltwell Park, one of North East England’s greatest parks. Dubbed “The People’s Park”, it was opened in 1876 to provide the industrialised town of Gateshead with some green space, and it has recently been restored to its past glories. The central area is dominated by the magnificent Saltwell Towers.
- Saltwell Towers is now a visitor centre and café. This building was the private mansion of William Wailes, a local stained glass manufacturer, and its design was influenced by his extensive European travels. Apart from the Towers, the map by the gates will guide you to many other places of interest including: sporting facilities (including bowling greens, tennis and basketball courts); the lake; play areas; the Rose Garden, The Dene (complete with lily pond); a maze, and much more.
- When you have enjoyed the park, leave by the entrance you came in, walk uphill onto Durham Road and cross to catch a bus (21, 21a, 21b, 723 or 724). After a short journey, this will take you to Antony Gormley’s incredible sculpture, the Angel of the North.
- The Angel of the North. This powerful symbol of regeneration is also a reminder of the engineering skills which made the region world famous. It has been named among the top twelve icons of English life by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport Return to the Gateshead Interchange by catching either the 21, 21a, 21b, X1 or X41 bus. Contact Traveline on 0870 608 2 608 for bus times.