The town South Shields is a coastal town in the North East of England. It has six miles of coastline and three miles of river frontage, dominated by the massive piers at the mouth of the Tyne. As well as being the largest town in South Tyneside, South Shields is also the regions most popular seaside resort.

The area has a status it has built up thanks to marketing itself as Catherine Cookson Country. Thousands of people come to see where the famous author was born and brought up, before visiting the fairground and promenade on the seafront.

It has a population of about 90,000.

The coastline is protected by the National Trust, as Marsden Bay is situated here which has a famous Marsden Rock. It is one of the largest seabird colonies in UK.

A pub built into the cliff opposite Marsden Rock stood, it is the only pub restaurant of its type in Europe.

The town was once famous for its shipyards and its coal mines, but the last ship builder closed in 1984 and the last pit in 1991. Today, the town relies largely on service industries, leisure and retail.

South Tyneside College is one of the two leading maritime training centres in the UK, with facilities including a marine safety training centre and a simulated ships bridge for the training of deck officers. The college is also home to the only planetarium in the region, as well as an observatory, making it a popular visitor attraction for local schools and other visitors.

Most residents of South Shields also identify themselves as Geordie. This is a term commonly associated with all residents of North East of England. There is no consensus as to the true ambit of the expression. Some natives of the region consider it applies only to those born on Tyneside, whilst others go further still and claim that only those who were born or live north of the River are in fact Geordies

It is a safe Labour seat. It has never elected a Conservative MP and is the only seat in the country not to have done so.

Transport includes the Metro train, the pedestrian ferry and local buses.

The Museum has been transformed following a one million refurbishment. The Museum now includes exploring local history during the life and times of Catherine Cookson. Art Adventure, a fresh look at painting. This art gallery with a difference features many of the museums paintings with exciting hands on displays which enable visitors to find out more about the paintings and their artists. A new, larger exhibition area and a refurbished activities room.

The Golf Club is one of the longest established Clubs in the North East England.