City of London Cemetery and Crematorium — Funeral Services in East London

City of London Cemetery and Crematorium provides cremation services within a historic 200-acre parkland setting in Manor Park, East London. The crematorium welcomes families from every faith, belief and area, so no connection with the City of London is required.

The modern crematorium has two large chapels, extensive parking and accessible visitor facilities. Moreover, its landscaped grounds and memorial gardens offer peaceful places for families to reflect and remember someone important to them.

A caring crematorium serving East London

City of London Cemetery and Crematorium serves communities throughout Newham and neighbouring parts of East London. Its location also makes it a practical choice for families from Manor Park, Forest Gate, Ilford, Wanstead, East Ham, Stratford, Leytonstone and Walthamstow.

The City of London Corporation owns and manages the site. Although it has a long and important history, the crematorium provides modern audiovisual facilities and welcomes both traditional and contemporary funeral services.

Location and surroundings

The crematorium stands on Aldersbrook Road in Manor Park. The cemetery first opened in 1856, while cremation services began during the early twentieth century.

Today, the 200-acre site forms a Grade I-listed landscape. Tree-lined avenues, formal gardens and historic buildings give the grounds a distinctive parkland character despite the crematorium’s urban location.

Travelling by public transport

Manor Park railway station is the nearest station and sits approximately 15 minutes away on foot. East Ham and Wanstead are the nearest London Underground stations.

The 101 bus also stops close to the main cemetery gates. However, visitors should check their route before travelling because London transport services may change.

Parking at the City of London Crematorium

Parking is available for people attending funerals or visiting the cemetery. On arrival, the Information and Security team can direct drivers to the most convenient parking area.

Because the grounds are extensive, visitors should allow enough time to park and reach the correct chapel. Drivers must also observe the cemetery’s speed limits and other site regulations.

Chapels and funeral facilities

The modern crematorium contains North and South chapels. Both provide a flexible setting for religious, non-religious and civil ceremonies.

Historic chapels also stand elsewhere within the cemetery grounds. Families should therefore check the name and location of their allocated chapel before the funeral.

North and South chapel capacity

The North and South chapels each seat 100 people. Large sliding doors open onto a covered external area where a further 200 to 300 mourners can stand and follow the service through an outside sound system.

Consequently, the crematorium can accommodate both intimate farewells and funerals with a particularly large attendance. Waiting rooms and accessible toilets are also located beside both modern chapels.

Music and visual tributes

The modern chapels contain piped organs, digital music systems and large screens. Families can choose suitable music and arrange photographs, slideshows or videos that reflect the life of the person who has died.

A standard service allows up to four pieces of music. Usually, these accompany the entrance, a period of reflection, the committal and the final departure.

Music and visual tributes should be arranged through the funeral director in advance. In particular, unusual music requests require sufficient notice, while presentations must be supplied in a suitable format and tested before the funeral.

Webcasting a funeral

Both the North and South chapels can webcast a funeral with live high-definition video and sound. This service helps relatives and friends take part when distance, illness or other circumstances prevent them from attending.

Webcasting carries an additional charge and must be arranged in advance. Families should also ask whether a recording or extended online viewing period is available.

Accessibility and visitor facilities

The chapels have induction loops for visitors with compatible hearing aids. Braille service books are also available, while wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be borrowed from the main gate.

The site provides toilets, accessible toilet facilities and baby-changing areas. In addition, visitors can use shelters, seating and water points throughout the cemetery. A florist and tea room are also located within the grounds.

Anyone with particular access requirements should contact the Bereavement Services team before visiting.

Service length and cremation options

The standard chapel service lasts 40 minutes. This time includes the entrance and departure of mourners, so families should plan readings, music and tributes carefully.

Shorter 30-minute appointments may be available at selected early times. Alternatively, families who need a longer ceremony can book an 80-minute service for an additional fee.

Unattended cremations take place without mourners or a funeral ceremony. Therefore, families should discuss the different service options, timings and current charges with their funeral director before confirming a booking.

Memorial gardens and cremated remains

The cemetery has 32 acres of landscaped memorial gardens. These include hundreds of rose beds, flower beds, shrub borders, mature trees, seating areas and dedicated pathways.

Families can choose from several memorial options, including plaques beside roses or shrubs, dedicated trees, garden seats, pathway stones and indoor or outdoor columbarium niches. The Book of Remembrance provides another lasting form of commemoration.

Cremated remains can also be scattered in the Garden of Rest or placed within an unmarked woodland area. However, ashes placed directly into the ground cannot usually be recovered later. Families should therefore consider their decision carefully and ask the memorial team to explain each option.

Cremation fees and booking

Cremation fees depend on the appointment time and whether the family chooses a standard, extended or unattended service. Webcasting, professional visual tributes and some memorial options may cost extra.

The crematorium fee normally forms only one part of the overall funeral expense. Families may also need to pay for the funeral director, coffin, transport, officiant and other personal choices. A cremation cost calculator can help provide an initial estimate, although families should always request an itemised quotation.

Contact details

Name: City of London Cemetery and Crematorium
Address: Aldersbrook Road, Manor Park, London E12 5DQ
Telephone: 020 8530 2151
Email: cemetery@cityoflondon.gov.uk
Office opening times: Monday to Friday, 9.00am–4.00pm, excluding bank holidays
Grounds opening times: Monday to Sunday, 9.00am–5.00pm; last entry at 4.30pm
Website: City of London Cemetery and Crematorium official website

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there parking at City of London Cemetery and Crematorium?

Yes. Plenty of parking is available for funeral attendees and cemetery visitors. The Information and Security team can direct drivers to the most convenient area when they arrive.

How long is a service at City of London Crematorium?

A standard chapel service lasts 40 minutes. Early 30-minute appointments and extended 80-minute services may also be available. Additional charges apply to longer bookings.

How many people can attend a funeral at City of London Crematorium?

The North and South chapels each seat 100 people. A covered external area can accommodate approximately 200 to 300 additional mourners, who can follow the service through an outside sound system.

Can a funeral at City of London Crematorium be watched online?

Yes. The North and South chapels provide live webcasting with video and sound. Families must arrange this in advance, and an additional fee normally applies.

Are there toilets at City of London Cemetery and Crematorium?

Yes. Toilets, accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities are available. The site also provides waiting rooms, seating, shelters and induction loops.