West Road Crematorium – Newcastle
Features
West Road Crematorium — Funeral Services and Visitor Information
West Road Crematorium in Newcastle upon Tyne provides a place for families and friends to gather, remember a loved one and say goodbye. Newcastle City Council manages the crematorium and neighbouring cemetery, alongside the gardens and memorial spaces.
Whether you are arranging a funeral, attending a service or returning to remember someone, the information below will help you plan your visit.
Arranging a funeral at West Road Crematorium
Families can choose an attended cremation service or a direct cremation without a ceremony at the crematorium. Therefore, you can discuss the approach that best reflects your loved one’s wishes with your funeral director.
Your funeral director can help organise the booking, paperwork, transport and person conducting the ceremony. In addition, they can coordinate readings, music and tributes. Alternatively, Newcastle City Council provides guidance for people who wish to arrange a funeral themselves.
Before confirming the arrangements, explain any particular wishes or access needs. This helps everyone prepare for the day.
Location and parking at West Road Crematorium
You will find the crematorium on West Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE5 2JL.
An on-site car park serves visitors. However, allow time to park and reach the chapel, particularly when attending a busy funeral. If spaces are unavailable, park considerately on nearby roads and follow local restrictions.
The council restricts vehicle access within the cemetery to people attending services and those who need disabled access. For this reason, check arrangements beforehand if someone in your party needs to travel closer to their destination.
Funeral services and personal tributes
Service times and duration at West Road Crematorium
Cremation services take place Monday to Friday, between 9am and 3pm. The council does not hold cremation services at weekends.
Its published options include 20-minute and 30-minute services. Before choosing a booking, ask how much time you will have for the ceremony, including arrival and departure arrangements.
If you expect a large attendance, discuss chapel capacity with your funeral director before sending invitations.
Photographs and visual tributes
Families can arrange a photograph, slideshow or music tribute through the crematorium’s tribute service. These options offer a personal way to share memories during the ceremony.
Ask your funeral director about submission deadlines, suitable files and any additional charges. This gives you time to gather photographs and check the final tribute.
Watching a funeral online
A webcast option allows relatives and friends to watch remotely when they cannot attend in person. The council also offers a webcast package with a 28-day download option, alongside DVD or USB keepsakes.
Arrange this in advance through your funeral director. Alternatively, if you are organising the funeral yourself, contact Bereavement Services directly.
Planning for individual needs
Before the funeral, tell your funeral director about any mobility, hearing or other support needs. You can also ask Bereavement Services about the most suitable access route and available facilities.
Memorial gardens and remembrance options
Garden of Remembrance
The Garden of Remembrance lies behind the cloisters and provides a setting for scattering cremated remains. Contact Bereavement Services to discuss arrangements before making plans.
To protect this area, visitors should keep off the grass and avoid placing floral tributes on it.
Hall and Book of Remembrance
The Hall of Remembrance holds the Books of Remembrance and memorial panels. Families can choose a book entry to mark a meaningful date, while an online version also allows them to view entries remotely.
Other memorial choices include space for ashes caskets in the indoor columbarium and memorial benches. However, availability, lease periods and charges vary, so discuss the options with the council before deciding.
The council does not allow flowers inside the Hall because moisture can damage the books.
Snowdrop Garden
The Snowdrop Garden offers a dedicated place to remember children who have died, stillborn babies and pregnancy loss.
You will find it beside the babies’ burial garden, towards the far right-hand side of West Road Cemetery.
Visiting hours at West Road Crematorium
The cemetery opens at the following times:
April to October
- Monday to Friday: 9am to 6.45pm
- Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays: 10am to 4.45pm
November to March
- Monday to Friday: 9am to 3.45pm
- Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays: 10am to 3.45pm
The Hall of Remembrance closes 15 minutes before the cemetery gates, so allow enough time if you plan to visit the books.
Contact details
West Road Crematorium and Cemetery
West Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE5 2JL
Telephone: 0191 278 7878 — ask for Bereavement Services
Email: bereavementservices@newcastle.gov.uk
Bereavement Services office hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 9am to 3pm
- Wednesday: 9am to 12 noon
Website: access the website here
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the time of a funeral?
Check the family’s funeral notice or contact the funeral director arranging the service. Confirm the date, time and chapel before travelling.
Can relatives watch a funeral online?
Yes, families can request a webcast in advance. Ask the person arranging the funeral for viewing details, as each family decides whether to offer remote access.
Does West Road Crematorium offer direct cremation?
Yes. The council lists a direct cremation option without a service at the crematorium. Your funeral director can explain the arrangements and provide a full quotation.
How much does a funeral at West Road Crematorium cost?
The total depends on the cremation option, funeral director’s services and any extras you choose. Therefore, request an itemised quotation rather than treating the crematorium charge as the complete funeral cost.
Can I visit the Book of Remembrance without attending a funeral?
Yes. You can visit the Hall of Remembrance during its opening hours. Remember that it closes 15 minutes before the cemetery gates.
Are toilets available at West Road Crematorium?
Yes, toilets are available at West Road Crematorium. These include disabled access toilets and baby changing facilities.