Bierley Woods Crematorium — Modern Cremation Services in Bradford

Bierley Woods Crematorium is a modern, purpose-built crematorium on Shetcliffe Lane in Bradford. Opened in 2026, it provides an inclusive setting for religious, cultural, civil and non-religious funeral services.

Bradford Council developed the crematorium to replace the ageing cremation facilities at Scholemoor. Consequently, funeral services previously held at Scholemoor Crematorium now take place at Bierley Woods or another operational crematorium within the Bradford district.

The new venue combines a spacious chapel, extensive parking and landscaped memorial gardens. Moreover, modern audiovisual facilities allow families to include music, photographs, recorded tributes and live webcasts in the service.

A modern crematorium serving Bradford

Bierley Woods Crematorium serves families from across Bradford and the surrounding parts of West Yorkshire. Its location in the south of the city makes it particularly convenient for people travelling from Bierley, Bowling, Tong, East Bowling, Tyersal, Dudley Hill and nearby communities.

The crematorium welcomes people of all faiths, beliefs and cultural backgrounds. Therefore, families can arrange a traditional religious ceremony, a humanist or civil funeral, or a personal farewell led by relatives and friends.

Some people mistakenly search for Barley Woods Crematorium. However, the correct name is Bierley Woods Crematorium, reflecting its location in the Bierley area of Bradford.

Replacement for Scholemoor Crematorium

Bradford Council built Bierley Woods Crematorium as the replacement for Scholemoor Crematorium on Necropolis Road. The older crematorium had operated since 1905 but could no longer accommodate the larger, modern cremation equipment needed to meet current environmental standards.

Bierley Woods offers more efficient cremation equipment and substantially improved facilities for mourners. In addition, its design provides greater flexibility for both intimate ceremonies and funerals with a large attendance.

Although the crematorium at Scholemoor has been replaced, Scholemoor Cemetery remains open. Families with an existing grave or memorial there can continue to visit the cemetery and contact Bradford Bereavement Services about burial and memorial enquiries.

Location and surroundings

Bierley Woods Crematorium occupies a spacious site off Shetcliffe Lane in Bradford. The position provides convenient road access from different parts of the city while creating a quieter setting away from the busiest central streets.

Landscaped areas surround the crematorium building and soften its modern design. Meanwhile, the memorial gardens provide a peaceful place where relatives and friends can reflect after a funeral or during a later visit.

Travelling from surrounding areas

The crematorium is within easy reach of the A650, A6177 Bradford Ring Road and M606. As a result, families can travel to the site from central Bradford, Cleckheaton, Birkenshaw, Drighlington, Low Moor, Wyke and the wider West Yorkshire area.

Visitors should use the postcode BD4 6QJ when planning their journey. However, because the crematorium is relatively new, drivers may wish to check that their sat-nav or mapping service recognises the full Shetcliffe Lane address.

Parking at Bierley Woods Crematorium

The crematorium has extensive on-site parking. The main car park provides 128 spaces, while further overflow provision can accommodate additional vehicles when a large funeral takes place. Cycle parking is also available.

Disabled parking spaces sit close to the principal visitor areas. Nevertheless, mourners should arrive in good time so they can park and enter the building without feeling rushed.

Chapel and facilities

Bierley Woods Crematorium has a large, modern chapel designed to accommodate funeral traditions from across Bradford’s diverse communities. It does not require families to follow a particular religion or style of ceremony.

The building also includes waiting areas, covered gathering spaces and facilities for people attending larger funerals. Therefore, mourners can gather under shelter before entering or while waiting for a service to begin.

Chapel capacity and larger funerals

The chapel can accommodate approximately 150 people. However, the wider building and covered gathering areas allow the crematorium to manage significantly larger attendances, potentially reaching around 300 mourners when arranged in advance.

Families expecting a large funeral should tell their funeral director and Bradford Bereavement Services as early as possible. The crematorium team can then explain the seating, overflow and parking arrangements.

For a smaller gathering, the flexible layout creates a more personal atmosphere without requiring families to fill the entire space.

Music and personal tributes

The Obitus music system gives families access to an extensive library of recorded music. This includes hymns, classical pieces and contemporary songs, allowing each ceremony to reflect the life and preferences of the person who has died.

A single photograph can usually remain on the chapel screen during the service. Families may also choose a slideshow, music tribute or professionally prepared visual tribute for an additional fee.

Live or personally supplied music may be possible when arranged beforehand. Therefore, families should discuss every music request with their funeral director well before the service date.

Webcasting and recordings

Bierley Woods Crematorium can provide a secure live webcast for relatives and friends who cannot attend in person. The live and on-demand option also allows invited viewers to watch the ceremony online for a limited period afterwards.

Digital downloads, DVDs, USB recordings and other keepsake formats may also be available. However, prices vary according to the selected package, so families should confirm the current options when arranging the funeral.

Accessibility and visitor comfort

The crematorium provides step-free access to its main public areas. Disabled parking is also available close to the building.

Accessible toilets and general visitor toilets are provided within the modern facility. In addition, waiting and covered gathering areas give mourners somewhere comfortable to assemble before the chapel becomes available.

Anyone who needs wheelchair space, hearing assistance or another reasonable adjustment should contact Bradford Bereavement Services before the funeral. Advance notice allows the team to prepare suitable support.

Funeral service times

Standard attended funerals take place at 45-minute intervals. This normally allows approximately 30 minutes for the ceremony, with additional time for mourners to enter and leave the chapel.

Families who need a longer ceremony can request an extended booking for an additional fee. This may prove helpful when the service includes several readings, cultural traditions, musical performances or a large number of mourners.

Reduced-fee early appointments may also be available. Furthermore, the council offers strictly unattended direct cremations at selected early times. No family members or other mourners may attend an unattended cremation.

Appointment times and availability can change. Consequently, families should ask their funeral director to confirm the booking length before preparing the order of service.

Cremated remains and ashes

Following the cremation, Bradford Council provides the cremated remains in a suitable container. The funeral director can usually collect them on the family’s behalf, or the crematorium can explain the procedure for an authorised personal collection.

Families may choose to:

• Scatter the ashes in the Gardens of Remembrance
• Place them in a suitable memorial
• Bury them in a cemetery or family grave
• Keep them at home
• Scatter them in another meaningful place with the necessary permission

The standard cremation fee may include the unattended scattering of ashes within the crematorium grounds. However, families who wish to attend should ask whether an appointment and separate fee apply.

It is helpful to consider the available choices before making a final decision. A funeral director can also explain the practical requirements for transporting, burying or scattering cremated remains elsewhere.

Memorial gardens and remembrance options

The landscaped memorial gardens provide a dedicated space for quiet reflection. They also allow families to return to the crematorium after the funeral and remember someone important to them.

Bradford Council offers a range of memorial choices across its crematoria and cemeteries. Options may include an entry in the Book of Remembrance, memorial plaques, benches and other garden tributes.

Not every memorial product will necessarily be available at every location. Therefore, families should contact the Bereavement Services team for the latest Bierley Woods memorial brochure, prices and lease periods.

Cremation fees and costs

The cost of a cremation at Bierley Woods depends on the appointment time and type of service. Standard daytime funerals, reduced-fee early services, extended bookings, Saturday services and unattended cremations each have different charges.

The attended cremation fee generally includes:

• Use of the chapel
• The cremation itself
• Crematorium staff and administration
• Use of the Obitus music system
• A single photograph on the chapel screen
• An environmentally friendly ashes container
• Unattended scattering of the ashes
• A Certificate of Cremation when required

Webcasts, visual tributes, recordings and certain memorial products normally cost extra. Since Bradford Council reviews its charges regularly, families should request the latest price list before making a booking.

The crematorium charge represents only one part of the overall funeral cost. Other expenses may include the funeral director, coffin, hearse, celebrant, flowers and printed orders of service. A cremation cost calculator can provide an initial estimate, although families should obtain an itemised quotation before confirming arrangements.

Contact details

Address: Bierley Woods Crematorium, Shetcliffe Lane, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD4 6QJ
Telephone: 01274 433900
Email: bereavement.services@bradford.gov.uk
Bereavement Services hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.00pm
Website: Bierley Woods Crematorium official information

Families normally arrange funeral bookings through a funeral director. Visitors making a special journey should contact Bereavement Services first, particularly if they need information about weekend access, memorial appointments or the collection of ashes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has Bierley Woods Crematorium replaced Scholemoor Crematorium?

Yes. Bradford Council built Bierley Woods Crematorium to replace the cremation facilities at Scholemoor. However, Scholemoor Cemetery remains open for burials, memorial enquiries and visitors.

Is there parking at Bierley Woods Crematorium?

Yes. The main car park provides 128 spaces, while additional overflow parking is available for larger funerals. Disabled parking and cycle spaces are also provided.

How many people can attend a funeral at Bierley Woods Crematorium?

The chapel can accommodate approximately 150 people. The wider building and covered gathering areas allow the crematorium to manage considerably larger funerals when arranged in advance.

How long is a funeral service at Bierley Woods Crematorium?

Standard bookings take place at 45-minute intervals and usually provide around 30 minutes for the ceremony. Families can request additional time for a further fee, subject to availability.

Are there toilets at Bierley Woods Crematorium?

Yes. The crematorium has visitor toilets and accessible facilities within the building. Anyone requiring specific assistance should contact Bradford Bereavement Services before attending.