Earlham Crematorium — Respectful Cremation Services in Norwich

Earlham Crematorium provides a peaceful and welcoming setting for funeral services in Norwich. Opened in 1964, it has served local families for more than 60 years and welcomes people of all faiths, beliefs and backgrounds.

Its central location makes it a practical choice for families from across Norwich and nearby communities, including Dereham, Wymondham and Attleborough. Moreover, the spacious chapel, accessible facilities and landscaped memorial grounds allow families to arrange a personal and meaningful farewell.

Location and surroundings

Earlham Crematorium stands within three and a half acres of grounds on Earlham Road, close to the centre of Norwich. Although the site is within the city, its gardens create a calm and secluded atmosphere away from the surrounding streets.

The grounds include mature planting, colourful flower beds, a fishpond and a wildflower area. A variety of wildlife also visits the gardens, including deer, hedgehogs, owls and butterflies. As a result, families have a peaceful place in which to pause, reflect and remember someone important to them.

Easy access from Norwich and the surrounding area

The crematorium’s position makes it convenient for families travelling from different parts of Norwich. It is also accessible from nearby Norfolk towns and villages, including Costessey, Cringleford, Hethersett, Wymondham, Dereham and Attleborough.

There are 70 standard parking spaces within the grounds. However, mourners should allow extra time to arrive when a large funeral is expected or when several services take place close together.

Peaceful and well-kept grounds

The landscaped grounds remain open throughout the year, although closing times vary according to the season. Level and accessible routes help visitors reach the principal areas of the gardens.

Families may visit the grounds to spend time in quiet reflection or view an existing memorial. In addition, appointments can be arranged with the memorial team for anyone who would like guidance about the available remembrance options.

Chapel and facilities

Earlham Crematorium has one chapel designed to accommodate religious, non-religious and civil funeral services. Its original roof beams, vaulted timber ceiling and specially carved altar give the interior a warm and distinctive appearance.

The chapel offers a respectful setting for both small gatherings and larger funerals. Furthermore, families can personalise the ceremony with readings, music, photographs and other tributes that reflect the life of the person who has died.

Chapel style and capacity

The chapel seats up to 85 people. It also includes a height-adjustable lectern, which makes it easier for speakers of different heights and those with particular accessibility needs to deliver readings or tributes.

Although the chapel contains a carved altar, services do not need to follow a particular religion. Families can arrange a traditional faith service, a humanist or civil ceremony, or a personal farewell led by relatives and friends.

Music, tributes and personalisation

A modern music system allows families to choose suitable music for entry, reflection and departure. There is also space for live singers or musicians when arranged in advance.

Screens can display a photograph or a visual tribute during the ceremony. In addition, webcasting allows relatives and friends who cannot travel to watch the funeral remotely. Families should discuss audiovisual requirements with their funeral director before the service, as additional tribute options and charges may apply.

Accessibility and visitor comfort

The chapel and gardens offer accessible routes for visitors with limited mobility. An induction hearing loop supports people who use compatible hearing aids, while accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities are also available.

A waiting room gives mourners a sheltered place to gather before entering the chapel. Drinks are available there, helping visitors remain comfortable while they wait for the service to begin.

Memorial gardens and remembrance options

Earlham Crematorium offers several ways to remember a loved one within its gardens. Options may include memorial garden areas, plaques, dedicated roses and private garden memorials. The memorial team can explain the choices, current costs and the length of each dedication.

Families can also arrange an inscription in the Book of Remembrance. Skilled calligraphers create each entry by hand, providing a lasting tribute that appears on the relevant anniversary date each year.

Cremated remains may be collected for safekeeping, scattered in the Gardens of Remembrance or placed elsewhere with the appropriate permission. The cremation fee normally includes either preparation of the ashes for collection or the option to witness their scattering within the grounds. However, families should confirm their instructions and make an appointment where necessary.

Service length and booking

Earlham Crematorium provides attended funeral services, attended direct cremations and unattended direct cremations. An attended service gives family and friends time to gather in the chapel for music, readings and spoken tributes. By contrast, an unattended direct cremation takes place without mourners or a funeral ceremony.

An attended direct cremation offers a simpler alternative. Family members can spend a short period with the coffin in the chapel and may choose suitable music, but there is no full funeral service.

The length and availability of chapel appointments vary according to the service and chosen time. Standard attended bookings may provide a longer overall time slot than reduced-fee early services. Therefore, families should ask their funeral director to confirm how much time will be available in the chapel. Additional time may also be available when booked and paid for in advance.

Prices and practical details

Cremation fees vary according to the type and timing of the service. The standard attended fee generally covers the chapel, assistance from the crematorium team, administration and registration, the cremation itself, use of the music system, a single photograph displayed on screen, a certificate of cremation and a suitable container for the ashes.

Reduced-fee early appointments, direct cremations and weekend services may have different prices. Optional visual tributes, recorded webcasts, additional chapel time and certain memorial products may also cost extra. Since fees can change, families should request the latest price list before making a booking. The cremation charge will usually form one part of the wider funeral cost.

The crematorium office opens from 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. The grounds and Book of Remembrance are currently open daily from 7.30am to 4.30pm between 1 October and 31 March. From 1 April to 30 September, they remain open until 6.40pm. Visitors should check before making a special journey, particularly on bank holidays.

Contact details

Address: Earlham Crematorium, 193 Earlham Road, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 3RG
Telephone: 01603 508146
General enquiries: earlham.crematorium@thecmg.co.uk
Memorial enquiries: earlham.memorialoffice@thecmg.co.uk
Website: You can access the website here

Frequently Asked Questions

Is parking available at Earlham Crematorium?

Yes. Earlham Crematorium has 70 standard parking spaces within the grounds. Visitors should arrive in good time, especially when attending a large funeral, as the car park may become busy around service changeover times.

How many people can attend a funeral at Earlham Crematorium?

The chapel can seat up to 85 mourners. Families expecting a particularly large attendance should discuss this with their funeral director and the crematorium before confirming the arrangements.

Can a funeral at Earlham Crematorium be watched online?

Yes. Webcasting is available for people who cannot attend in person. Families can also arrange photographs and visual tributes on the chapel screens. The available packages and any additional charges should be confirmed when booking.

Are there toilets at Earlham Crematorium?

Yes. Accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities are available for visitors. The site also has a waiting room where mourners can gather before the funeral begins.

What are the opening times at Earlham Crematorium?

The office opens from 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. The grounds and Book of Remembrance currently open daily from 7.30am to 4.30pm between October and March, and from 7.30am to 6.40pm between April and September. Opening hours can change, so visitors may wish to telephone before travelling.