Oakworth Crematorium, Keighley

Oakworth Crematorium provides a calm, modern setting for cremation services in the Keighley area of West Yorkshire.

Managed by Bradford Council, the crematorium sits on Wide Lane in Oakworth and has served local families since 1960.

Its elevated, semi-rural position gives many visitors a sense of space and quiet, while recent improvements have transformed the chapel into a light, dignified environment.

A well-located crematorium serving Keighley and the Worth Valley

Oakworth Crematorium lies just outside Keighley, making it convenient for families from Oakworth, Haworth, Cross Roads, Ingrow and the wider Worth Valley. The approach along Wide Lane feels peaceful and removed from busy town centres, which many families find reassuring on the day of a service.

At the same time, the site remains straightforward to reach by car, with free parking available on site.

Chapel design, capacity and atmosphere

The crematorium chapel offers full step-free access and seats up to 100 people, making it suitable for both larger gatherings and quieter services. The interior layout supports all faiths and denominations, giving families flexibility when planning a ceremony that reflects personal beliefs.

In 2022, Oakworth Crematorium underwent a significant refurbishment that reshaped how the chapel feels and functions. The redesign brought the catafalque to the centre of the space, ensuring the person being remembered remains the clear focus of the ceremony.

New timber entrance doors, improved sightlines and carefully repositioned seating help create a more intimate and dignified atmosphere.

Natural light now enters from both sides of the chapel, which softens the space and adds warmth throughout the service.

Flow, comfort and post-service gathering

The refurbishment also improved how mourners move through the building. A new through-route leads from the chapel into a glazed winter garden, then on to an open-air tribute area with a covered floral display plinth. This allows families to gather quietly after the service, even during poor weather, without crossing paths with those arriving for the next ceremony.

In addition, the site layout now separates the funeral cortege from other vehicles. As a result, arrivals and departures feel calmer and more organised.

Music, technology and modern services

Oakworth Crematorium supports a wide range of service preferences:

• Obitus music system with access to an extensive music library

• Organ available, arranged through your funeral director

• Digital screens for visual tributes and full-length portrait images

• Clear, modern audio system for celebrants and readings

• Online service broadcasting, allowing remote attendance

These features help families include those who cannot attend in person and personalise the service in a meaningful way.

Cremation facilities and environmental considerations

As part of the refurbishment, the cremation equipment was repositioned to reduce noise and disruption during services. The newer system operates more quietly and efficiently, supporting a calmer chapel environment while improving environmental performance.

The committal room now forms part of the front-of-house experience. Families can choose to view and participate in the committal process, which is particularly important for Hindu and Sikh funeral traditions, where this moment holds deep cultural significance.

Opening times and parking

Oakworth Crematorium opens Monday to Friday, from 8:30am to 4:00pm, and remains closed on weekends. The site provides free on-site parking, including disabled parking spaces, located close to the chapel for convenience.

Contact details for Oakworth Crematorium

Address
Wide Lane
Oakworth
Keighley
West Yorkshire
BD22 0RJ

Telephone
01274 433900 (Bradford Bereavement Services)

Email
bereavement.services@bradford.gov.uk

Website
You can access the website here.

Frequently Asked Questions about Oakworth Crematorium

Is there parking at Oakworth Crematorium?

Yes. Oakworth Crematorium provides free on-site parking, including designated disabled parking spaces close to the chapel.

What is the postcode for Oakworth Crematorium?

The postcode for sat navs and directions is BD22 0RJ.

How many people can the chapel seat?

The chapel seats up to 100 people and offers full step-free access.

What are the opening hours at Oakworth Crematorium?

The crematorium is open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:00pm, and is closed at weekends.

Does Oakworth Crematorium support different faiths?

Yes. The chapel layout and facilities support all faiths and denominations, including options important to Hindu and Sikh funeral traditions.

Can services be viewed online?

Yes. Oakworth Crematorium offers online broadcasting, allowing friends and relatives to watch the service remotely.