Direct Cremation
Making Cremations Simple
Direct Cremations
From £1190
Our direct cremation service allows you to focus on the essentials: a simple and dignified sending-off with the highest degree of professionalism and care, because you recognise that end-of-life services do not have to be elaborate and expensive to be respectful.
Such “simple” cremations are increasingly common, including among celebrities ranging from John Lennon to Karl Lagerfield. Although they had the money and fame to be commemorated with lavish services attended by thousands, these superstars opted for the intimacy of a direct cremation instead.
What is a direct cremation?
A direct cremation is a modern alternative to a traditional cremation funeral. The cremation takes place completely separately from the personal farewell and our families use the ashes urn or a favourite photograph as their focal point for remembrance. It’s perfect for people who don’t like funerals.
Freed up from the crematorium, and with the ashes portable, almost anything is possible. The ceremony could be held:
Where you like…
At home, in the garden, on a hilltop or on a boat. It could be in the town hall, church or at your favourite pub. It could be a memorial bike ride or a picnic. Ashes can be scattered or buried as part of the ceremony. They can be kept at home or transported abroad.
When you like…
You can take as much time as you like to plan a ceremony. It could be in a month, a few months or you could wait for the summer.
How you like…
It could be led by a vicar, a celebrant, a friend or a family member. Or you may decide not to hold a funeral at all. It’s entirely up to you.
How It Works
Step by step guide
We complete the
required paperwork
We collect the deceased in a private ambulance
We carry out an unattended cremation
You collect the ashes
in a bio-urn
Why Choose Us
Simple and Respectful
A direct cremation for a from £990 with no hidden costs.
Affordable and Trustworthy
An affordable approach to end-of-life services with an uncompromising commitment to quality
Green and Sustainable
Eco-friendly alternative to help you celebrate the memory of your loved one
What's included in our Direct Cremation
A scheduled transfer from hospital or Coroner’s mortuary
Simple care at our own chapel
Fees for an unattended Cremation a Crematorium of our choice
An eco-coffin
A biodegradable ashes container
Collection of the ashes from one of our chapels,
Or scattering the ashes in the Crematorium Garden of Remembrance
What's not included in our Direct Cremation
Choice of crematorium
A funeral procession including hearse or limousines
Formal service or ceremony with a Minister or celebrant
Costs of removing mechanisms such as pacemaker
Additional services
Wooden urn £90.00
Return of ashes in a wooden urn instead of a simple container
Non hospital removal £250.00
Not everyone passes away in a hospital and we offer prompt care for you and your loved one whether this is at home, a care home or in a hospice setting.
Larger client care £500.00
We have the same, simple coffin design for everyone we look after. Please tell us if your loved one is heavier than 20 stone as we will need to provide extra staff for safe, prompt and dignified transfer into our care.
Very large clients (weight over 22 stone) or very tall clients (more than 6’2″) or very wide clients (more than 20″) are likely to require a special order coffin, but we always review each case individually.
Return of ashes- £100
Delivery of the cremated remains back to your address
You can specify a day and time for the return of your loved one’s ashes, including evenings and weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
We answer some of the most frequently asked questions to help you decide what’s right for you and your loved one.
If you can’t find the answer you want, we’re here to help you, call us any time on 01132747888.
Is a Unattended Cremation right for my loved one?
If you are looking for a cremation service that is simple, ensures everything necessary takes place without the costs of a full funeral service – then yes, it is.
A direct cremation separates the cremation from the funeral ceremony.
The ashes can be returned to you, giving you the freedom to hold a memorial or celebration of life wherever, whenever and however you choose.
Almost anything is possible.
How does our Unattended Cremations work?
Without the need for a formal ceremony, we will ensure a dignified cremation takes place at a time and location chosen by us. We can then arrange the safe return of the ashes back to you.
Our unattended cremation process is clear, straightforward and respectful and we will support you every step of the way.
Can I view my loved one at the chapel of rest?
It is not possible to view your loved one at our chapel of rest
Can I follow the hearse to the crematorium?
There is no procession, hearse or limousines. We use our private ambulance for this services.
Are mourners allowed at the crematorium?
Sadly families can not attend this service. If you wish to attend the service take a look at our other options
Can I choose the date, time and crematorium the service will take place?
The cremation will take place at a time and date chosen by us. We will use one of our network of crematoriums and not your local one
Is this a communal cremation?
Definitely not. In the UK each person is cremated individually and we always provide a certificate confirming the identity of each set of remains
How much does it cost?
An unattended Cremation starts at £990 which covers all of the essentials required. You can choose to add any extras if required such as return of ashes.
You will be required to make a full payment over the phone by credit or debit card when you arrange an unattended Cremation.
Additional charges that you may incur are:
– for collecting the deceased outside the hours of 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday or on UK Bank Holidays;
– the cost to remove pacemakers or other medical implants prior to cremation where a charge is made.
You will be advised if these costs are to be applied before the cremation takes place.
Can I use the social fund funeral payment to cover the cost of the funeral?
We require full payment for the service at the time of booking. However, if you qualify for the Government’s Social Fund Funeral Payment you may be able to successfully claim the cost back. We will provide you with a full receipted invoice which you will need to make a claim within 3 months of the funeral.
Why are Direct Cremations becoming increasingly popular ?
Direct cremations are becoming increasingly popular in England
- For financial reasons – a direct cremation costs a fraction of the cost of a conventional funeral
- Because of personal preferences – fewer people, especially among younger generations, want the typical mournful service and somber funeral procession
- Because of the flexibility, it brings – not combining the cremation and the remembrance ceremony gives you more flexibility to organise a separate sending-off, as you see fit, when you feel you are ready
- For practical reasons – a direct cremation minimises what many consider to be superfluous ceremonials displays without sacrificing the respectful and dignified significance of the sending-off
Where are your services available?
Our services are available throughout most of England. Use the ‘Arrange Now’ button on our website to book a time for us to take your loved one into our care
Can i choose a different coffin?
We provide our simple coffin for direct cremation. Should you wish to choose a different coffin then that is something that can be arranged