Brighton & Preston Cemetery opened in 1886 and shares a site with Downs Cemetery, serving both Brighton and Hove across roughly 28 acres. The gates and the burial chapel are Grade II listed, and there's an older chapel still standing in the grounds that was part of Scabes Castle Lodge until about 1895. Our funeral directors in Brighton can help you arrange a burial here.
Reviews for Dignity Group
You can hold a funeral service in our chapel, bury someone here, or both. Speak to your local Dignity funeral director and they'll make the arrangements with the cemetery, including the grave itself and any memorial you'd like afterwards.
There's no rush, and no question is too small. You don't need to have anything worked out before you call.
Many of our graves can be reserved in advance, giving families the comfort of knowing loved ones can be laid to rest together.
If you would like to find out more about burial plots at Brighton & Preston Cemetery, our dedicated team is here to guide and support you every step of the way.
Talk to your funeral director about grave options at Brighton & Preston Cemetery.
A single plot traditional grave provides a classic resting place for one person, with space for a headstone and full kerb set within a defined memorial surround. A timeless choice that can be personalised to honour your loved one.
A heritage double depth grave is designed to accommodate two burials within a single plot. A thoughtful choice for those who wish to remain together, with space for a personalised memorial.
This heritage double depth grave offers the same generous space for two burials within one plot, with the added convenience of a roadside location. Easily accessible for visitors, it remains a dignified and meaningful choice.
Monday-Sunday: 24/7
Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm
A burial usually takes place at a cemetery or churchyard, either as part of a service that starts elsewhere or as the main ceremony itself. Guests gather at the graveside, where a celebrant, faith leader, or family member leads a short service. This might include readings, prayers, music, or a few words of reflection before the coffin is lowered into the ground. Some families invite those attending to place a flower, a handful of earth, or another small, meaningful gesture into the grave.
Most people wear black or dark clothing but this isn’t a rule. Some families ask guests to wear a particular colour or something that meant a lot to the person who has died, like a favourite team’s shirt. They may also just want people to wear whatever they’re comfortable in. If you’ve been invited and you’re not sure, ask the family.
Once the burial is over, guests are often invited to join the family nearby for refreshments and time together, sometimes called a wake or a reception. It's a chance to share memories, offer your condolences, and support one another.
Rated 4.91 / 5 based on 22 reviews.
As Funeral Directors Teresa & Michelle from Mother & Daughter Funeral Directors find the team at the Downs Crematorium extremely professional and friendly - nothing is ever too much trouble. They are always supportive to us and the families we look after, making sure everything runs smoothly. Their care, compassion, and attention to detail are truly a credit to them. Thank you to all he team.
Dan Heale, 30 October 2025
Beautiful cemetery where my twin sister Susan is buried in 1963
Kim HOPKINS, 22 October 2025
We have been working with the Downs Crematorium and Brighton & Preston Cemetery for five generations — over 120 years as Brighton & Hove’s oldest independent family funeral directors — and it’s always such a pleasure.
The team there are absolutely fantastic. Andrea, Daisy, Christine, Rob, Steve and Daniel are all so helpful, friendly and eager to make sure everything goes smoothly. Nothing is ever too much trouble, and their positive energy and “can-do” attitude make such a difference on the day.
It’s clear they really care about what they do and about the families they help. Working with people like this makes everything that bit easier, and we couldn’t ask for better colleagues in the work we do.
A big thank you to everyone at Downs Crematorium and Brighton & Preston Cemetery — you’re a credit to the community!
— Bungard Funeral Directors,
Richard Whittle, 16 October 2025
Guides on burial options and choosing a memorial.
Natural burial in woodland – what happens on the day, the memorials sites allow, the eco coffins used, and what a plot is likely to cost.
Making a burial as environmentally friendly as possible – shrouds, biodegradable urns, tree pod burials, eco coffins and greener transport.
The full range of memorials, from classic stone to personal keepsakes – how to choose one that suits the person, and what to do if there is no grave.
Traditional stone memorials – headstones, grave markers, statues and accompaniments – how long before one can be fitted, and adding to it later.
