South Bristol Crematorium
Features
South Bristol Crematorium – Funeral Services and Visitor Information
South Bristol Crematorium in Bedminster Down provides cremation services for families across Bristol and the surrounding area. Bristol City Council owns and manages the crematorium, which stands on Bridgwater Road within landscaped cemetery grounds.
Whether you are arranging a funeral, attending a service or visiting a memorial, this guide explains the chapel facilities, service options, parking, accessibility and opening hours.
A Caring Crematorium Serving South Bristol
South Bristol Crematorium opened in October 1971 and continues to serve the local community. Its chapel seats 100 people, while the surrounding grounds provide space for remembrance visits.
Families can personalise a ceremony through music, readings and visual tributes. In addition, webcasting allows relatives and friends to follow a service when they cannot attend in person.
Before finalising arrangements, discuss the expected number of mourners, ceremony length and any access needs with your funeral director.
Location and Surroundings
The crematorium stands on Bridgwater Road, Bedminster Down, Bristol, BS13 7AS.
Although the crematorium and cemetery share a site, funeral visitors should follow signs to the chapel. If you are visiting the office or a memorial instead, check the location beforehand.
Travelling to South Bristol Crematorium
Use BS13 7AS for navigation and allow time to park before the funeral.
For public transport, AccessAble identifies a bus stop within approximately 150 metres of the site. Parson Street is the nearest railway station. However, it is not immediately beside the crematorium, so plan your onward journey and check current transport services before travelling.
Parking
Free parking is available near the chapel and in front of the office.
AccessAble records:
- Four designated accessible parking bays in the chapel car park.
- Two designated accessible bays in the office car park.
These bays cannot be reserved in advance. Therefore, if someone needs a particular drop-off arrangement or assistance reaching the chapel, contact the office before the day.
Chapel and Facilities at South Bristol Crematorium
Chapel Capacity
The chapel has seating for 100 mourners. An external speaker system allows additional visitors outside to hear the ceremony.
For a larger funeral, discuss attendance with your funeral director beforehand. This helps the crematorium plan the service and any overflow arrangements.
Music and Personal Tributes
The crematorium offers a music system and organ accompaniment. Families can also arrange photo displays, slideshows and musical tributes.
Choose your music and images in advance, then confirm submission arrangements with your funeral director. Similarly, allow sufficient time for readings and tributes within the booked ceremony.
Webcasting and Recordings
South Bristol Crematorium offers live and on-demand webcasting, together with recording and keepsake options.
These services require an advance booking and may involve additional charges. Ask your funeral director how guests will receive viewing details and how long the recording will remain available.
Waiting Room
The council states that the waiting room is available only to visitors with access needs.
Consequently, other mourners should plan their arrival around the confirmed funeral time rather than rely on an indoor waiting area.
Accessibility and Toilets
Facilities include a hearing loop, large-print hymn books and a wheelchair.
AccessAble describes a ramped approach to the chapel’s main entrance and level access through its side entrance. Some routes involve slopes or dropped kerbs, so wheelchair users may need assistance.
Standard toilets and an accessible toilet are available at the chapel. The chapel’s accessible toilet has a level approach; the separate toilet facilities near the office have different access arrangements.
If you have specific mobility or assistance requirements, ask staff which entrance and facilities will best suit your visit.
Funeral Services and Cremation Options
Standard Funeral Services
A regular attended service provides a 45-minute booking slot, including approximately 30 minutes for the ceremony.
The remaining time allows mourners to enter and leave. Therefore, the full booking slot should not be treated as ceremony time.
Early Services
Early services at 9am, 9.30am and 10am provide a 30-minute booking slot, including a 20-minute ceremony.
These shorter services may suit families who prefer a brief farewell. However, discuss the planned content before choosing a slot.
Longer Services
Additional chapel time is available for an extra charge, subject to availability.
If you expect several speakers or a longer ceremony, arrange this when booking. Doing so helps avoid rushing important contributions.
Direct Cremation at South Bristol Crematorium
Direct cremation provides an unattended option without mourners present for a chapel service.
The council’s 2026/27 schedule lists direct cremation bookings at 8am and 8.30am. Ask your funeral director to explain the arrangements, including collection of ashes and any separate memorial gathering.
Arranging a Funeral Yourself
Bristol City Council also provides guidance for people arranging a funeral without a funeral director.
Contact the crematorium before making firm plans. Staff can explain booking requirements and the practical arrangements you will need to organise.
South Bristol Crematorium Fees
The council’s published 2026/27 charges include:
| Service | Crematorium charge |
|---|---|
| Standard adult cremation | £1,210 |
| Early adult cremation | £860 |
| Direct adult cremation | £505 |
| Additional chapel booking slot | £245 |
| Witnessed scattering of ashes from South Bristol or Canford | £45 |
These are crematorium charges, rather than complete funeral prices. Funeral director services, the coffin, transport and optional extras can add to the total.
Before booking, request an itemised quotation and confirm current charges. This is particularly helpful where older price lists remain online.
Memorial Gardens and Remembrance Options
Scattering or Collecting Ashes
Families can arrange scattering in the Garden of Remembrance or collect the ashes for another destination.
The standard attended cremation fee includes unwitnessed scattering or preparation of ashes for removal, with a cremation certificate. Alternatively, families can arrange to attend a scattering for an additional fee.
The council can retain ashes for up to two months before requesting final instructions. If you need longer to decide, discuss this with the office.
Book of Remembrance
The Book of Remembrance provides a lasting inscription under a chosen date. Staff turn its pages daily, allowing families to view an entry on its anniversary.
Options include two-, five- and eight-line inscriptions, with artwork available for some entries. Miniature books and remembrance cards provide personal copies.
If you want to view an entry on another date, call the office on the number below to arrange an appointment.
Ashes Burial and Memorials
South Bristol Crematorium and Cemetery offers cremated remains plots with granite memorials, as well as bronze memorial options.
For granite memorial plots, the council describes a 30-year exclusive right of burial. Ask staff to explain available plots, inscription choices and what the quoted price includes.
Memorial vases and tablets provide another way to create a place for floral tributes. Confirm availability and lease conditions before applying.
Tree Sponsorship
Tree sponsorship is available in Ashton View Arboretum within South Bristol Cemetery.
The council offers sponsorship for up to ten years in memory of a loved one. Contact the office to discuss available trees, current prices and renewal arrangements.
Standards and Professional Membership
South Bristol Crematorium appears in the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities’ directory of member crematoria.
FBCA members must follow its Code of Cremation Practice, which covers respectful care, identification, staff competence and the handling of ashes.
The directory records an inspection on 2 July 2026, with the next scheduled for 2 July 2029.
Contact Details
South Bristol Cemetery and Crematorium
Bridgwater Road
Bedminster Down
Bristol
BS13 7AS
Telephone: 0117 903 8330
Email: cems.crems@bristol.gov.uk
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 9am–4pm.
For funeral bookings or a detailed discussion, telephone before visiting.
Official website:
access the website here:
Grounds and Book of Remembrance Opening Hours
| Period | Monday to Friday | Weekends and bank holidays |
|---|---|---|
| April to October | 9am–7pm | 11am–4.30pm |
| November to March | 9am–4.30pm | 11am–4.30pm |
On Mothering Sunday, Father’s Day and Christmas Day, the council lists opening hours of 9am–4.30pm.
These visiting hours differ from office hours and funeral appointments. Check any temporary changes before a special journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an online funeral diary for South Bristol Crematorium?
An official public online service diary could not be verified.
To confirm an upcoming funeral, check the family’s announcement or contact the funeral director arranging it. Alternatively, telephone 0117 903 8330 for guidance.
Always confirm the date and time before travelling. Private services may not appear in public notices.
How long is a service at South Bristol Crematorium?
A standard service allows approximately 30 minutes for the ceremony within a 45-minute booking slot.
Early services allow 20 minutes within a 30-minute slot. Additional time requires an advance booking and an extra charge.
Is parking free, and are accessible toilets available at South Bristol Crematorium?
Yes. Free parking is available near the chapel and office, with designated accessible bays in both areas.
The chapel also has an accessible toilet with a level approach. If you need help reaching the building, contact staff beforehand to agree suitable arrangements.
Can I watch a funeral online at South Bristol Crematorium?
Yes, live and on-demand webcasting is available when the family arranges it.
Ask the funeral director for viewing details and recording arrangements. A webcast is a separately booked service, so do not assume every funeral will be available online.
Can I visit the memorial grounds at weekends?
Yes. The council lists weekend and bank holiday opening hours of 11am–4.30pm throughout the year, with extended morning access on certain special days.
However, office hours are Monday to Friday, 9am–4pm. If you need staff assistance or want to view a Book of Remembrance entry on a different date, arrange this in advance.