Discover Newcastle: An Evening of Art & Coast

The Angel of the North

Wednesday, 17 September 2025

After a day of academic sessions in Durham, unwind with an optional evening excursion to explore two of the North East’s most iconic landmarks: Antony Gormley’s Angel of the North and the charming coastal town of South Shields. Enjoy a scenic coastal stroll, free time to explore, and a delicious meal at a traditional British pub.

Itinerary

A dedicated coach will provide seamless transfers between Durham and Newcastle:

  • 5:20 PM | Depart from Durham ECTEL conference venue (1)
  • 5:40 PM | Stop at the Angel of the North (20-minute photo opportunity) (2)
  • 6:00 PM | Travel to South Shields Old Town Hall (arrive ~6:30 PM) (3)
  • 6:30–7:30 PM | Free time to explore the beach and seafront
  • 7:30–8:30 PM | Traditional British pub meal & drink
  • 8:30 PM | Depart for Newcastle city centre (arrive ~9:00 PM) (4)
  • 9:30 PM | Return to Durham (1)

Highlights of the Evening

The Angel of the North

Antony Gormley’s monumental steel sculpture has stood watch over Gateshead since 1998, becoming an enduring symbol of the North East. Towering 20 metres tall with wings spanning 54 metres, the Angel reflects the region’s industrial past while embodying hope and transformation. Designed to withstand winds of up to 100mph, this iconic landmark attracts over 150,000 visitors each year and offers a striking meditation on humanity’s place in the landscape.

South Shields: A Coastal Gem

Nestled at the mouth of the River Tyne, this historic seaside town blends rich heritage with stunning natural beauty. Walk along sandy beaches, explore the reconstructed Roman fort of Arbeia, or enjoy fresh seafood from Colman’s, a local institution since 1926. For breathtaking views, take a short stroll to Marsden Rock, where dramatic cliffs meet the North Sea.

Photos are from https://www.visitsouthtyneside.co.uk

For those wishing to extend their evening, you may make your own way back to Newcastle city centre using the Tyne and Wear Metro system. The journey from South Shields to Newcastle Central Station takes approximately 30 minutes, with frequent services operating until late evening. A full metro map and timetable information can be found on the Nexus website.

For your convenience, here’s the Newcastle Metro map to help you plan your route.

Should you need to return to Durham, frequent train services are available from Newcastle (Central Station). The journey between Newcastle and Durham takes just around 10 minutes by train. For real-time departure information and ticket purchases, please visit the National Rail website.

By Lei Shi | 08/06/2025 | ECTEL |
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