Bournemouth Crematorium
Features
Bournemouth Crematorium — Funeral Services and Visitor Information
Bournemouth Crematorium provides a choice of two chapels for funeral services within the grounds of North Cemetery. Located on Strouden Avenue, it serves families in Bournemouth and the surrounding Dorset area.
BCP Bereavement Care, part of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, manages the crematorium. Families can arrange an attended funeral or choose a direct cremation without an attended ceremony.
Whether you are planning a service, attending a funeral or visiting a memorial, this guide brings together practical information about the chapels, parking, accessibility, opening hours and remembrance options.
A caring crematorium serving Bournemouth
The first cremation at Bournemouth Crematorium took place in 1938. Since then, the buildings and grounds have developed to meet the needs of local families.
Today, the East and West Chapels provide different settings for larger gatherings and smaller funerals. Meanwhile, the remembrance gardens offer places to return and reflect after the service.
Your funeral director can help coordinate the booking, paperwork, transport and person leading the ceremony. In addition, they can organise music, photographic tributes and remote viewing.
Before confirming your arrangements, discuss the expected attendance, preferred service length and any individual support needs.
Location and surroundings
Bournemouth Crematorium stands within North Cemetery, Strouden Avenue, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH8 9HX.
The grounds include rose beds and dedicated Gardens of Remembrance known as The Glades. A wildlife pond and wildflower area also contribute to the natural setting.
When planning your journey, use the crematorium’s full address and postcode. Also confirm whether the funeral will take place in the East Chapel or West Chapel before travelling.
Parking and arrival
Allocated parking and disabled spaces are available close to the crematorium building and chapels. Additional parking is available along the exit drives within the grounds.
Allow time to park and find the correct chapel, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the site. If someone needs assistance on arrival, discuss suitable arrangements with your funeral director beforehand.
Public transport
For bus routes and nearby stops, check current information from Morebus before travelling.
Consider the walk from the stop to the chapel as well as the journey itself, especially if someone in your party has limited mobility.
Chapel and facilities
East Chapel
The East Chapel seats up to 100 people, making it the larger of Bournemouth Crematorium’s two chapels.
Its Gothic design dates from 1927, before the crematorium began operating. Families expecting a larger gathering should discuss additional attendance arrangements with the team when booking.
West Chapel
The West Chapel seats up to 40 people and offers a smaller setting for close family and friends.
After the ceremony, the exit leads towards the floral court, with access beyond to the rose beds and remembrance gardens.
Funeral service length
The published timetable offers different booking lengths:
- East Chapel: 60-minute daytime bookings, allowing approximately 45 minutes for the ceremony.
- West Chapel: 45-minute daytime bookings, allowing approximately 30 minutes for the ceremony.
- Early bookings: 30-minute options, allowing approximately 20 minutes for the ceremony.
The remaining time allows mourners to enter and leave the chapel. Therefore, confirm the actual ceremony time before choosing readings, music and tributes.
If you would like a particular date or time, ask your funeral director to check availability.
Music and personal tributes
Families can personalise the service with music and photographic tributes. These provide an opportunity to share memories and reflect the interests and personality of the person who has died.
Discuss your choices with your funeral director early. Ask about submission deadlines, available equipment and any additional charges before preparing a presentation.
Livestreaming and recordings
Bournemouth Crematorium offers live online streaming and recordings for relatives and friends who cannot attend.
The official guidance asks families to book a livestream through their funeral director at least 48 working hours before the service.
The organiser receives secure viewing details to share with invited viewers. Guests can also test their access beforehand. Additional charges apply.
Accessibility and hearing support
The chapels and bereavement offices provide wheelchair access and hearing loops.
A limited number of wheelchairs are available to borrow from the waiting rooms. However, tell your funeral director in advance if you expect to need one.
Contact BCP Bereavement Care before the funeral if you have particular access requirements.
Waiting rooms and toilets at Bournemouth Crematorium
Waiting rooms give families somewhere to gather before entering the chapel. Facilities include accessible toilets and baby-changing provision.
Coffee machines are also available in the waiting rooms. The published visitor guidance states that these accept coins rather than cards, so bring change if you wish to use them.
Floral tributes after the funeral
After the ceremony, your funeral director will guide you towards the floral court. Here, family and friends can gather and view the flowers.
Floral tributes remain for up to seven days. If you would like to keep flowers, cards or another part of a tribute, notify the office asap and collect them before this period ends.
Afterwards, the team removes the tributes sensitively and recycles suitable materials.
Memorial gardens and remembrance options
Gardens of Remembrance
The gardens at Bournemouth Crematorium provide a place for quiet reflection and lasting tributes.
Families can discuss memorial choices with BCP Bereavement Care. Options listed on its website include rose memorials, memorial stones, benches, columbarium niches and sanctum vaults.
Availability and lease arrangements vary. Consequently, ask the team to explain the location, charges and renewal terms before choosing a memorial.
Book of Remembrance
The Book of Remembrance provides a permanent written tribute. Families can choose an inscription and discuss suitable illustrations.
The books sit in a private viewing room beside the chapels. Each day, the team displays the relevant date so families can view entries on their annual anniversary.
Viewing hours are 9am to 4pm daily, Monday to Sunday. Visits outside these hours may be possible by prior appointment.
Check names, dates and wording carefully before submitting an application.
Arrangements for ashes
Discuss your wishes for the ashes with your funeral director before the cremation. You may wish to collect them for a separate resting place or arrange scattering within the designated memorial grounds.
The published cremation package includes a biodegradable ashes box and storage for up to one month. However, confirm collection, scattering and any longer-term storage arrangements directly with the team.
Bournemouth Crematorium opening times
Grounds: 1 April to 30 September
Monday to Sunday: 9am to 7pm
Grounds: 1 October to 31 March
Monday to Sunday: 9am to 4.30pm
The gates close promptly, so allow enough time to leave before closing.
Book of Remembrance
Daily: 9am to 4pm
Bereavement office
Monday to Friday: 11am to 3pm
These visiting and office hours differ from booked funeral appointments. Always follow the confirmed service time when attending a ceremony.
Funeral costs and arrangements
The total cost of a funeral at Bournemouth Crematorium depends on the chapel booking and the services you choose.
Alongside the crematorium fee, your quotation may include the funeral director’s services, coffin, transport, celebrant or minister, flowers and personal tributes.
Therefore, request an itemised quotation showing the complete cost. Also confirm any charges for livestreaming, recordings or additional arrangements before finalising your plans.
Direct cremation is available for families who prefer a cremation without an attended chapel ceremony. Your funeral director can explain this option and help you plan a separate remembrance gathering if you wish.
Contact details
Bournemouth Crematorium
North Cemetery
Strouden Avenue
Bournemouth
Dorset
BH8 9HX
Telephone: 01202 128111
Email: bereavementcare@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
Office and telephone hours:
Monday to Friday, 11am to 3pm.
Website: access the website here
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people can attend a funeral at Bournemouth Crematorium?
The East Chapel seats up to 100 people, while the West Chapel seats up to 40. For larger gatherings, ask the crematorium team to confirm additional attendance arrangements.
How long does a funeral service last?
A standard daytime East Chapel booking allows approximately 45 minutes for the ceremony. The West Chapel allows approximately 30 minutes. Shorter early bookings are also available, so confirm the time included in your chosen option.
Does Bournemouth Crematorium have parking and accessible toilets?
Yes. Parking and disabled spaces are available near the chapels, with additional parking along the exit drives. Facilities include wheelchair access, accessible toilets, hearing loops and baby-changing provision.
Can I watch a Bournemouth Crematorium funeral online?
Yes, families can arrange a livestream through their funeral director. Book it at least 48 working hours before the service and ask the funeral organiser for the secure viewing details.
Can I visit the Book of Remembrance at weekends?
Yes. The Book of Remembrance viewing room at Bournemouth Crematorium opens daily from 9am to 4pm, including Saturdays and Sundays. Contact BCP Bereavement Care if you need to arrange a visit outside these hours.