East Devon Crematorium
Features
East Devon Crematorium – Funeral Services, Facilities and Visiting Information
East Devon Crematorium at Whimple offers a quiet countryside setting for families saying goodbye to someone close. Its modern service hall overlooks landscaped memorial gardens, with established woodland providing a gentle backdrop.
The crematorium serves communities across East Devon and West Dorset, including Exeter, Honiton, Sidmouth, Ottery St Mary and Exmouth. Whether you are arranging a funeral or returning to remember someone, the grounds offer space to pause away from the everyday rush.
East Devon Crematorium is on London Road, Strete Ralegh, Whimple, EX5 2PT. It is a different venue from Exeter and Devon Crematorium on Topsham Road.
A Caring Crematorium Serving East Devon
Families can arrange religious, humanist or non-religious ceremonies at East Devon Crematorium. There is room for traditional elements, but also for favourite songs, personal readings and the small details that make a farewell feel familiar.
You do not have to live locally to use the crematorium. Its published guidance also confirms that charges do not vary according to where you live.
If you would find it helpful to see the building before the funeral, the team welcomes visits by arrangement. Walking through the service hall beforehand can make attending feel a little less daunting.
Location and Surroundings
Address:
East Devon Crematorium
London Road
Strete Ralegh
Whimple
Exeter
EX5 2PT
The crematorium stands near the Daisymount junction of the A30, with access from Exeter and Honiton.
Travelling by Car
From Exeter, follow the A30 east towards Honiton and leave at Daisymount for Ottery St Mary and Whimple. The crematorium is approximately 500 yards along the approach road, on the left.
From Honiton, follow the A30 west and leave at Daisymount. Follow the crematorium’s directions through the junction rather than continuing towards Exeter.
For navigation, use EX5 2PT and check that the destination says East Devon Crematorium, Whimple.
Parking and Public Transport
Free parking is available on site.
The crematorium also identifies a bus stop outside the grounds, served by routes between Exeter and Honiton. Check the current Stagecoach timetable before travelling, as route numbers and departure times can change.
If someone in your party needs a particular drop-off arrangement, contact the office before the day.
Chapel and Facilities
Service Hall Capacity
The service hall seats approximately 95 people.
For larger gatherings, relay speakers in the foyer and covered entrance area allow additional mourners to hear the ceremony. The crematorium states that these arrangements can accommodate approximately 200 people overall.
If you expect a large attendance, let your funeral director know when booking so the team can prepare.
Music and Personal Tributes
The Wesley Media system offers a broad music library, while screens allow families to share photographs and video tributes.
Music need not be limited to hymns or classical pieces. A favourite singer, a song with a family connection or a recording of someone’s own performance can all bring personal meaning to the ceremony.
Live music is welcome too. The hall has a digital piano/organ, and an organist can be arranged.
Webcasting and Recordings
A secure webcast allows invited relatives and friends to follow the service remotely.
Recordings are also available as a download, DVD or USB. Arrange these through your funeral director in advance, alongside any photographs or video contributions.
Waiting Facilities and Toilets
Facilities include a waiting room, a private arrangement room and toilets.
For visitors with mobility, hearing or other access requirements, the office can explain the most suitable arrival and seating arrangements. Raise these needs beforehand so staff can help you plan a comfortable visit.
Funeral Services and Cremation Options
Standard Attended Services
A standard weekday service provides 45 minutes of service hall use.
The published timetable offers appointments on the hour from 10am to 4pm. This gives families a choice of times for a ceremony with readings, music and tributes.
Hall use includes entering and leaving, so agree the ceremony’s running order with your funeral director or celebrant.
Shorter Services and Direct Cremation
A reduced-fee attended service takes place at 9.15am, with 20 minutes of service hall use.
Alternatively, an unattended cremation takes place without mourners on site. Families may then choose a separate gathering or personal act of remembrance elsewhere.
Saturday and Longer Services
Saturday attended appointments are listed at 9am, 10am and 11am, with 45 minutes of hall use.
Additional time is available for a separate charge. Sunday, bank holiday and other arrangements require direct agreement with the crematorium.
East Devon Crematorium Fees
The published price list, effective from 2 February 2026, includes:
| Service | Published crematorium fee |
|---|---|
| Standard weekday attended service | £1,115 |
| Reduced-fee weekday service at 9.15am | £875 |
| Unattended weekday cremation | £480 |
| Saturday attended service | £1,685 |
These are crematorium charges rather than complete funeral prices. Your funeral director’s services, the coffin, transport and optional tributes may cost extra.
Confirm the final quotation before booking, particularly if you want additional time or media services.
Memorial Gardens and Remembrance Options
A Place to Return
The grounds combine formal planting with woodland, meadow areas and places to sit.
Some areas follow a more natural appearance at different times of year. Longer grass and uncut vegetation help protect nesting birds and encourage wildlife, including butterflies and bees.
Taking Time to Decide About Ashes
There is no need to choose a permanent memorial immediately. East Devon Crematorium offers up to three months’ storage of ashes without charge, giving families time to consider their wishes.
You can arrange collection, scattering or an appropriate memorial for ashes within the grounds.
For collection, the applicant nominates the person who will receive the ashes. Anyone collecting other than a funeral director should bring photographic identification and will need to sign a receipt.
Scattering and Memorial Choices
Families can attend a scattering by appointment or ask staff to scatter ashes on their behalf.
Memorial options include private gardens, memorial orbs, ground tablets and tributes within landscaped areas. Some hold ashes, while others provide a dedication without interment.
The memorial team can show you the different locations and explain lease lengths, inscriptions and costs. This can help you choose somewhere that feels right for future visits.
Book of Remembrance
The Book of Remembrance offers a traditional inscription for families who prefer a written tribute.
The physical book is available Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm. An online version also allows relatives to view entries from home.
Online Book of Remembrance:
access the East Devon Crematorium Book of Remembrance website here:
Standards and Professional Membership
East Devon Crematorium confirms membership of the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM)and the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities (FBCA).
Its published guidance describes individual identification procedures throughout cremation and the handling of ashes. It also states that cremations follow the ICCM Guiding Principles for Cremation.
The FBCA directory records an inspection on 16 June 2026, with the next scheduled for 16 June 2029.
Contact Details
East Devon Crematorium
London Road
Strete Ralegh
Whimple
Exeter
EX5 2PT
Telephone: 01404 823017
Email: office@eastdevoncrematorium.co.uk
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm.
Book of Remembrance: Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm.
Published service hall hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8.30am–5pm.
- Saturday: 9am–11.30am.
- Other times: contact the office to discuss availability.
These are service hall hours rather than confirmation of a particular funeral or separate garden visiting hours. For a weekend remembrance visit, check grounds access before travelling.
Official website:
access the website here:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an online funeral diary for East Devon Crematorium?
An official public diary listing individual funerals could not be verified.
To confirm a funeral, check the family’s announcement or contact the funeral director arranging it. Alternatively, telephone 01404 823017 for guidance.
The crematorium publishes general service hours, but these do not identify individual funerals.
Published service hours:
access the opening hours here:
How long does a funeral service last?
The current price list allows 45 minutes of hall use for a standard service, or 20 minutes for the reduced-fee 9.15am service.
Allow for entering and leaving within that time. If several people wish to speak, additional hall time can be booked in advance.
Can I watch a funeral online?
Yes. The crematorium offers secure webcasting through Wesley Media when the family arranges it.
The February 2026 price list gives a £95 webcast fee, including a seven-day on-demand viewing period. Ask the funeral director for the private access details.
Is parking available, and are there toilets?
Yes. East Devon Crematorium provides free on-site parking and toilets.
If you need assistance reaching the hall or particular facilities, speak to the office before visiting so staff can advise on arrangements.
Can families witness the cremation?
Yes. The crematorium’s published guidance allows up to six people to witness the placing of the coffin into the cremator, subject to safety arrangements.
Discuss this with your funeral director and the crematorium in advance so the team can explain what to expect and make the necessary preparations.