The North-East landmarks that tourists think are completely rubbish on TripAdvisor

From the Tyne Bridge between Gateshead and Newcastle to Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland, we are blessed with a real mix of historic and recent structures.

They attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each and every year, and play a big part in the region's tourism industry.

Often we are complimented on our landmarks and attractions as people associate the region with them no matter where.

But it seems not everyone can be pleased - with some tourists leaving some of the most scathing, brutal and sometimes ridiculous reviews online.

We've looked through the latest reviews of the most popular landmarks on TripAdvisor to see what gripes people have with our beloved landmarks.

Redcar Beacon

Picture: NORTHERN ECHO

An unusual sight, Redcar Beacon opened to the public in 2013 and sees members of the public ascend 80ft into the sky before seeing a 360 degree view of the seafront.

'Totally pointless vertical pier'

But TripAdvisor user, Travelingjohn123 was less than impressed after his visit to the vertical pier.

In a scathing review, he said: "Absolutely, totally pointless vertical pier. There is nothing to see or do except walk in a circle up seven flights of stairs only to find that when we got to the top it was closed!!

"Massively disappointed as a small sign at the bottom would have saved us 10 mins of our lives. I don’t see the logic or sense in this building when a traditional horizontal pier (like nearby Saltburn) would have been far better and people might have actually liked it."

'Waste of space'

Another user, peacockj2018 said he "could not think of a single good thing" to say about it after a visit to the site in 2019.

He said: "Terrible. Waste of space. Cannot think of a single good thing to say about it.
Vertical pier. No it should be in an amusement park as a ride."

Tees Transporter Bridge

Picture: NORTHERN ECHO

You can see it from miles, the Tees Transporter Bridge near Middlesbrough has become one of Teesside's most loved landmarks. 

It has become increasingly popular with tourists as countless daredevils have taken part in bungee jumps from the impressive structure.

'Iconic status? Heaven knows why'

But after a visit to the Tees Transporter Bridge, Jeff A acknowledged that it was one of the region's most-loved landmarks but said 'heaven knows why'.

He said: "Old scrap bridge crossing with iconic status heaven knows why but everyone is entitled to their opinion."

Angel of the North

Picture: DAVID WOOD

We would challenge you to find anyone who does not know what this is - the Angel of the North, near Gateshead, a sight many pass every single day on the A1.

It was designed by Antony Gormley and rose into the sky in 1998, but it seems some were left underwhelmed.

'The design is truly embarrassing'

Tourist Mike Spencer was not left pleased after visiting the Angel of the North near Gateshead last year.

He said: "I was driving past, and decided to go and see it, (only because it is famous). I don't know why anyone likes it, the design is truly embarrassing and I think personally it ruins the famous design heritage of the united kingdom."

'No toilets at the site'

Meanwhile another TripAdvisor reviewer, KPG appeared disappointed at a lack of toilets at the site of the sculpture.

They said: "No toilets at the site. Could have been a lovely place to stop for a picnic but there are no toilets at the site. Such a shame. 

Gateshead Millennium Bridge

Also known as the "Blinking Eye Bridge", the Millennium linking Gateshead and Newcastle is yet another recent landmark - but never fails to impress.

Everyday, crowds (and those genuinely wanting to cross) gather to watch it rise into the sky - but the bridge is most definitely not to everyone's liking.

'Not sure what to rave about'

This TripAdvisor reviewer did seem to get what all the fuss was about while at the Gateshead Millennium Bridge as they were disappointed by its lighting.

England105 said: "Ok not sure what to rave about. Its just a bridge nothing much to say ... the lights does not change colour.

"I suppose the view when your on the bridge looking across is ‘Newcastle’ sky line."

'Cut it loose and sink it'

Described as superfluous and overbearing, this reviewer known only as Andrew would rather see the bridge removed. 

He said: "This bridge is a fantastic example of the wholly superfluous, overbearing, arty-farty modernisation of a historic area of our beloved city.

"Along with the equally inappropriate Sage Gateshead, it serves to patronise the world famous landmark that is the Tyne Bridge and serves as a brilliant symbol of the condescending patronisation of the people who make this place what it is by people who seek to make it something which it isn't.

"An absolutely awful imposition by those with zero sensitivity for the area. Cut it loose and sink it."

Hadrians Wall

Picture: NORTHERN ECHO

If you're from the North-East, you'll no doubt no the historical importance of Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland.

Originally started in AD122, the wall was built coast to coast in order to separate the barbarians from the Romans.

But we're not quite sure what this tourist was expecting during a visit here...

'They oversell it'

Hharahap appeared perplexed by the wall during a visit there as part of a day trip.

They said: "(It's) not worth it - I think you should only visit this place during summer time. Because on winter you can’t just walk for miles to see a wall.

I joined one day tour from Hearts of Scotland, and honestly... they oversell it - what a rip off."

Northumberlandia

Picture: TRIPADVISOR

If you've ever stopped off at Northumberlandia, near Cramlington, you'll know that it has been built near the Shotton Surface Mine. 

You get breathtaking 360 degree views of the entire region from each mound - and you can even make out Penshaw Monument in the far distance.

'A sculpture you can only see from the air'

But TripAdivsor user Steve S suggested a visit to Northumberlandia did not go as expected.

He said: "Waste of an opportunity. This space should have been wooded, easy way out by Banks to create a pointless sculpture that you can only see from the air."

'Save your petrol - and watch some paint dry'

Terry S said he did not know what "all the fuss" was about during his visit to the site near Cramlington.

He said: "Visited the lady of the North, awful. That's an hour of my life I'll never get back. No wow factor, boring layout and the views, what views? an open cast mine and a quarry. Save your petrol, stay at home and watch some paint dry. It's more exciting,honest."