Confirmed · Tyneside and the coast · Town
North Shields Fish Quay
Ashes scene in Hidden Depths in Vera. Public streets and paths; allow 1–2 hours.
- On screen as
- Ashes scene in Hidden Depths
- Series and episodes
- Series 1, Episode 1
- Access
- Public streets and paths
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Where
- North Shields Fish Quay, Tyne and Wear
On screen
How North Shields Fish Quay appears
North Shields Fish Quay has a connection reaching back to Hidden Depths, the first Vera episode. The official tourism listing identifies the opening ashes scene here; ITV’s later interview clarifies that Joe scatters the ashes of Vera’s father Hector. The public waterfront is the focus of this stop, rather than a private home or a speculative fictional police address. Seeing the working quay gives that personal moment a real geographical setting within the broader North East landscape used across the programme’s fourteen series.
The real place
What you can visit
The Fish Quay lies below the centre of North Shields on the north bank of the Tyne. It remains a working waterfront, with fishing activity alongside public places to eat and walk. The Low Lights and river views make it visually distinct from Newcastle’s city Quayside farther upstream. The descent from the town is part of the visit, and the climb back deserves thought if you have limited mobility or a train to catch. Leave access clear around work areas and watch for vehicles rather than standing in operational spaces for photographs.
Pause to watch the river from a public seating area, then continue along the waterfront. It is a working place, so give crews and deliveries priority.
NewcastleGateshead ↗North Shields Metro station is the useful arrival point, followed by a downhill walk to the Fish Quay. Choose the return route with the gradient in mind; a short distance on a map may still involve a steep climb. Stay on public waterfront routes and keep away from market work areas, slipways and vehicles. Combine the walk with a planned refreshment stop rather than blocking working entrances.
Common questions
Planning a responsible visit
Which episode has the ashes scene?
The official tourism source identifies Hidden Depths, the opening episode. ITV confirms that Joe scatters Hector’s ashes.
Is the Fish Quay beside the Metro station?
The station is above the riverfront in the town. Include the descent and return climb in your plan.
Can I walk everywhere beside the boats?
Use public routes and leave operational spaces clear. A filming connection does not open fish-market work areas or slipways to visitors.
Plan your visit
Build it into the day.
Tynemouth offers the next coastal contrast, while Newcastle Quayside shows the same river in an urban setting. Both fit a wider Metro-based visit.
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Map
Days out including this place
Continue with a prepared day out
Nearby
Continue through Tyneside and the coast
Cambois
Final-series coastal filming
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Newcastle Quayside and Millennium Bridge
River investigation in Death of a Family Man
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Tynemouth
Coastal town and Priory filming
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St Mary’s Island and lighthouse
Vera and Joe’s causeway exchange
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