Lawnswood Crematorium

Lawnswood Crematorium — Funeral Services and Visitor Information

Lawnswood Crematorium in Leeds offers a historic setting for funeral services, personal tributes and quiet remembrance. Located on Otley Road in Adel, the crematorium serves families across the city and surrounding communities.

Leeds City Council manages Lawnswood Crematorium alongside Cottingley Hall and Rawdon crematoria. Families can arrange an attended funeral, a shorter committal or a direct cremation, depending on their wishes.

Whether you are planning a funeral or attending a service, this guide brings together practical information about the chapel, parking, accessibility, visiting hours and memorial options.

A caring crematorium serving Leeds

Lawnswood Crematorium opened in 1905 and continues to serve the local community. Its historic buildings and established grounds provide a distinctive setting for families gathering to remember someone.

The Grade II-listed chapel and crematorium complex features Gothic Revival architecture. Architect George Corson designed the earlier chapels, while W. S. Braithwaite designed the crematorium addition.

Today, families can discuss their preferred ceremony with a funeral director and choose readings, music and tributes that reflect their loved one’s life. In addition, Leeds City Council provides guidance for people who wish to arrange a funeral themselves.

Choosing the right funeral option

The council’s booking system lists several options for Lawnswood:

• Full-service cremation: a funeral ceremony at the crematorium.
• Committal-only cremation: an option to discuss when the main service takes place elsewhere.
• Double-service cremation: a longer booking for families who need additional time.
• Direct cremation: a cremation without an attended ceremony.

Before booking, ask your funeral director to explain what each option includes. This will help you choose suitable arrangements and understand the full cost.

Location and surroundings

Lawnswood Crematorium stands on Otley Road, Adel, Leeds, LS16 6AH, in the north of the city.

The crematorium sits within Lawnswood Cemetery, where mature trees, historic buildings and pathways give the grounds an established character. Consequently, visitors can return after the funeral to spend time remembering a loved one.

Parking and arrival

The main cemetery car park lies opposite the entrance, across Otley Road. Limited parking is also available within the grounds, while designated disabled spaces sit close to the chapel buildings.

Allow extra time to park, cross the road where necessary and find the chapel. This is particularly helpful if you are unfamiliar with Lawnswood or expect a large attendance.

Before travelling, confirm the funeral time with the family or funeral director.

Public transport

Visitors can reach Lawnswood by public transport. However, routes and timetables can change, so check the West Yorkshire Metro journey planner before setting off.

Use the crematorium’s full address when planning your journey, rather than relying on the wider Lawnswood area name.

Chapel and facilities

Chapel seating

Published funeral information describes the Lawnswood Crematorium chapel as seating approximately 80 people, with some additional standing space.

However, confirm the current attendance arrangements with your funeral director or Bereavement Services before inviting a larger gathering. They can explain the available space and advise on suitable arrangements.

How long does a service last?

Funeral information sources describe 40-minute booking slots, usually allowing around 30 minutes for the ceremony, with the remaining time for arrival and departure.

Treat this as a planning guide and confirm the exact timing when booking. If you would like several readings, longer tributes or more music, ask about a double-service booking.

Music and photographic tributes

Leeds City Council offers music and visual tribute services at its crematoria. Options include a single photograph, a slideshow, a music tribute and a family-made tribute.

These can help make the ceremony personal. For example, a slideshow can bring together photographs from different stages of someone’s life.

Arrange your choices through your funeral director and check submission requirements early. The council asks for tribute and webcast orders when booking, or at least four full working days before the cremation.

Livestreaming and recordings

A live and on-demand webcast allows relatives and friends to watch remotely. Recorded-service downloads and keepsake copies are also available.

If someone cannot travel to Leeds, discuss this option before the funeral. The family can then share viewing instructions with the people they wish to include.

Additional charges apply, so request the current prices when making arrangements.

Accessibility and toilets

Leeds City Council confirms that its crematoria provide:

• Wheelchair access.
• Disabled parking near the chapel buildings.
• Toilets during service opening hours.
• Hearing loops on request.

Tell your funeral director about any support needs beforehand. In particular, request a hearing loop in advance so the team can prepare.

The council also advises that staff do not remain permanently on site. Therefore, contact Bereavement Services before making a separate visit if you need assistance.

Opening times at Lawnswood Crematorium

Grounds

• Monday to Friday: 8.30am until dusk.
• Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays: 10am until dusk.

Book of Remembrance

• Monday to Friday: 8.30am to 4.30pm.
• Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays: 10am to 4pm.

The council lists Christmas Day opening from 10am to 4pm.

These visiting hours differ from funeral bookings. Always follow the confirmed appointment time when attending a service.

Memorial gardens and remembrance options

Gardens of Remembrance

The Gardens of Remembrance at Lawnswood Crematorium provide a place for remembering loved ones and arranging the scattering of ashes.

You must book an appointment before scattering ashes in council cemetery or crematorium grounds. A council officer attends the appointment.

Therefore, contact Bereavement Services before bringing ashes to Lawnswood.

Book of Remembrance

Families can choose a permanent entry in the Book of Remembrance, displayed on their selected date.

The council offers different inscription lengths and options for artwork. In addition, remembrance cards and miniature books provide keepsake copies of the entry.

Check the wording carefully before applying, as the council states that it cannot amend an entry once it has added it to the book.

Memorial plates and vaults

Memorial choices at Lawnswood include:

• Garden memorial plates, marking an agreed location associated with ashes.
• Barbican memorial plates, situated near the chapel building.
• Sanctum vaults, which can hold up to two sets of ashes.

Lease periods and charges vary. Consequently, ask the memorials team to explain availability, renewal arrangements and what the price includes before choosing.

Contact memorials@leeds.gov.uk for memorial enquiries.

Collecting ashes after a cremation

Leeds City Council asks families to arrange collection of ashes within 14 days. Contact the team beforehand to agree a collection time, or ask your funeral director to coordinate this.

The council provides a labelled biodegradable container. Afterwards, families can keep the ashes, arrange burial or choose a suitable place for scattering, with the landowner’s permission.

If you need more time, discuss storage arrangements promptly, as holding charges can apply.

Funeral costs and bookings

The final cost of a funeral at Lawnswood Crematorium depends on the service option and the arrangements you choose.

Alongside the crematorium charge, your quotation may include the funeral director’s services, coffin, transport, celebrant or minister, flowers and tributes. For this reason, request an itemised quotation showing the complete cost.

Longer services, webcasts and certain booking times can attract additional charges. Confirm these before finalising the arrangements.

Contact details

Lawnswood Crematorium
Otley Road
Adel
Leeds
West Yorkshire
LS16 6AH

Telephone: 0113 376 0001
Email: bereavementservices@leeds.gov.uk
Memorial enquiries: memorials@leeds.gov.uk

Bereavement Services telephone hours:
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 3.30pm.

Postal address for administration:
Leeds City Council Bereavement Services
Farnley Hall
Hall Lane
Leeds
LS12 5HA

Website information: Lawnswood Crematorium does not appear to have a separate dedicated official website. Leeds City Council publishes its information through its bereavement services pages. Contact the team directly for bookings and enquiries.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find a funeral time at Lawnswood Crematorium?

Check the family’s funeral notice or contact the funeral director arranging the service. Confirm the date and time before travelling, particularly if the arrangements have changed.

How many people can attend a funeral at Lawnswood?

Published information indicates approximately 80 chapel seats, with some standing space. However, ask the funeral director to confirm current capacity and arrangements for a larger attendance.

Is there parking, wheelchair access and a toilet at Lawnswood Crematorium?

Yes. The main car park is opposite the entrance, and disabled parking is available near the chapel buildings. The council confirms wheelchair access and toilets during service opening hours.

Can I watch a Lawnswood Crematorium funeral online?

Yes, families can arrange a live and on-demand webcast in advance. Ask the funeral organiser for viewing instructions, as the family decides who receives access.

Can I visit Lawnswood Crematorium at weekends?

Yes. The grounds open from 10am until dusk on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays. The Book of Remembrance opens from 10am to 4pm on those days.