Ipswich Crematorium — Respectful Cremation Services in Suffolk

Ipswich Crematorium provides funeral and cremation services for families from Ipswich and the surrounding parts of Suffolk.

Set within the New Cemetery on Cemetery Lane, it offers a traditional chapel, accessible facilities and several ways to personalise a service. In addition, families can choose from a wide range of memorial and resting-place options.

Location and surroundings

Ipswich Crematorium stands within the New Cemetery in north-east Ipswich. Although the cemetery opened in 1921, it remains a peaceful and carefully maintained setting where families can gather, reflect and remember.

The crematorium also sits beside the Temple of Remembrance and two established gardens of rest. However, these gardens no longer accept new scatterings or interments. Instead, the nearby Millennium Cemetery provides several options for cremated remains.

Easy access from surrounding areas

The site is accessible from central Ipswich as well as Kesgrave, Rushmere St Andrew, Westerfield, Claydon, Woodbridge and other nearby communities. Drivers can approach via Colchester Road and Cemetery Lane, while the postcode IP4 2TQ leads to the Cemetery Office and crematorium entrance.

Public transport also serves the surrounding area. Bus services run from Ipswich town centre, although visitors should allow time for a short walk from the nearest stop.

Peaceful and well-kept grounds

Mature trees, lawns and established planting help to create a calm atmosphere around the chapel. Moreover, the nearby Temple of Remembrance gives visitors a quiet indoor space for reflection throughout the year.

Families may leave floral tributes in the designated area beside the West Chapel. Staff normally display them for one week after the funeral. Therefore, anyone wishing to keep flowers or cards should collect them before the seventh day.

Chapel and facilities

Chapel style and capacity

The West Chapel has a traditional appearance and seats approximately 80 people. It also provides standing room at the rear for additional mourners.

For larger funerals, an external screen and speakers beneath the chapel porch allow people outside to follow the service. As a result, family and friends can still participate when the chapel reaches its seated capacity.

Music, tributes and personalisation

The chapel uses the Obitus system, which gives families access to an extensive catalogue of recorded music. Families can usually select entrance, reflection, committal and exit music. Alternatively, they may arrange for an organist to play the traditional pipe organ.

Webcasting and visual tributes are also available. For example, families may request a single photograph, a slideshow, a music tribute or a professionally prepared themed tribute. A secure live webcast can help relatives and friends who cannot attend in person, while on-demand viewing may remain available for 28 days.

Families should discuss music, webcasts and visual tributes with their funeral director early in the arrangements. This gives the crematorium and Obitus team enough time to prepare each element correctly.

Accessibility and visitor comfort

The West Chapel offers step-free access and includes an induction hearing loop. An accessible toilet is available at the rear of the chapel, while further toilet facilities are located beside the waiting room.

Three designated accessible parking bays sit close to the West Chapel. In addition, the site has parking beside the main driveway and an overflow area near the reception and floral tribute section.

A chapel attendant supports each service and can assist mourners when needed.

Memorial gardens and remembrance options

The Temple of Remembrance houses the Book of Remembrance and a selection of memorials. It opens every day of the year alongside the cemetery, although staff lock it approximately 15 minutes before the gates close.

While the two gardens of rest beside Ipswich Crematorium no longer accept new scatterings or interments, families can consider options at the Millennium Cemetery on Tuddenham Road. It lies approximately two minutes away by car.

Available choices may include:

• The Garden of Remembrance

• Cremation plots

• Columbarium wall niches

• Millennium Vaults

• Memorial roses

• Scattering near a memorial tree

• Interment within an existing family grave, subject to consent

• A limited number of niches in the Temple of Remembrance

Other commemorative choices include entries in the Book of Remembrance, memorial plaques, inscribed bricks within the Walk of Remembrance and shared memorial-seat plaques.

Families do not need to decide immediately. The crematorium can hold cremated remains temporarily for up to three months, allowing time to consider the most suitable option. Afterwards, the applicant for the cremation or an authorised funeral director can collect them from the Cemetery Office.

Service length and booking

Services take place at one-hour intervals. The current arrangements allow up to 45 minutes of chapel time, including the arrival and departure of mourners. However, families often plan the main ceremony to last around 30 minutes.

If a family needs more time, they can book a double service slot for an additional charge. This may suit funerals with several readings, hymns, musical selections or a larger number of mourners.

A funeral director will normally arrange the date, service time and chapel requirements with the crematorium. They can also organise an organist, webcast, visual tribute or other personal requests.

Prices and practical details

According to the fees introduced in May 2026, the standard adult cremation fee is £865. A reduced fee of £600 applies to services booked at 8.45 am, 9.45 am or 4.15 pm, while a direct cremation without attendance, a service or music costs £250.

A double service slot costs £1,658, and a Saturday service costs £2,100. Separate charges may apply for webcasting, visual tributes, additional chapel time, attended appointments and some memorial choices.

The standard fee includes chapel use, music, the medical referee’s fee, the government environmental surcharge, a bio-urn and a certificate of cremation. It may also include an unattended scattering in the Garden of Rest, depending on the arrangements.

Fees can change, so families should ask their funeral director or the Cemetery Office to confirm the latest charges before making a decision.

The Cemetery Office opens by appointment from 9.00 am to 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday. Meanwhile, the cemetery grounds open every day, although closing times vary throughout the year.

Contact details

Address: Ipswich Crematorium, 10 Cemetery Lane, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 2TQ
Telephone: 01473 433580
Email: cemetery.lane@ipswich.gov.uk
Website: You can access the website here

Frequently Asked Questions

Is parking available at Ipswich Crematorium?

Yes. A large car park serves the crematorium, while additional bays run alongside the main driveway. There is also an overflow car park near the reception and floral tribute area. Furthermore, three accessible parking bays sit beside the West Chapel.

How long is a funeral service at Ipswich Crematorium?

Services take place at one-hour intervals, with up to 45 minutes of chapel time covering the arrival and departure of mourners. The main ceremony often lasts around 30 minutes. However, families can book a double slot if they would like a longer service.

Can people watch a funeral at Ipswich Crematorium online?

Yes. The West Chapel offers live webcasting through the Obitus system. Families can share a secure link with people who cannot attend, and on-demand access may continue for 28 days. A funeral director can arrange this service and confirm the current charge.

Are there toilets at Ipswich Crematorium?

Yes. Visitors can use toilets next to the waiting room, and an accessible toilet is available at the rear of the West Chapel. Other toilet facilities are also available within the council’s nearby cemetery sites.

What can families do with ashes after a cremation in Ipswich?

Families can collect the ashes, arrange an interment or choose an approved scattering location. Options at the Millennium Cemetery include cremation plots, vaults, columbarium niches, memorial roses and scattering near a memorial tree. The crematorium can also keep the ashes temporarily for up to three months while the family decides.