Visit South Shields

One of the most well known characters from South Shields has to be Dame Catherine Cookson, born in Tyne Dock, South Shields on 20 June, 1906.

She wrote over 90 novels but was late getting into writing. She was 42 when she wrote her first book called Kate Hannigan, and since then her novels have been adapted into many very popular TV dramas.

There is an annual Catherine Cookson festival in South Shields which celebrates her achievements. It usually takes place in the summer time and is very popular with locals and visitors from all over the world.

South Shields itself is often know as Catherine Cookson Country and we are very proud her.

If you visit South Shields, you can find out more about Catherine’s life by visiting our free museum on King Street.