The Pow Burn runs from nearby Northumberland Park and disappears underground at Tynemouth Road and the Metro urban transport line, eventually flowing into the Tyne.

Before the north and south piers were built, many ships foundered on the rocks known as the Black Middens, which lie to the east of the quay and can be seen at low tide.

The Fish Quay was once the biggest kipper producer in the UK, but the fall in herring stocks has reduced the trade to a single smokery.

A number of traditional smokehouses still exist but have been converted to other uses, the area having been substantially repurposed to include residential accommodation, eateries and other entertainment facilities.

Clifford's Fort, located on the Fish Quay, was built in 1672 as a coastal defence against the Dutch,[1] and also played a role during the Napoleonic Wars.