Downs Crematorium

Bear Road
Brighton
East Sussex
BN2 4DZ

Telephone: 01273 572472

Crematorium information

Brighton and Preston Cemetery opened in 1886 on the site of Scabes Castle Farm and is approximately 28 acres. Later, Downs Crematorium opened in 1941 situated on the same site as the Cemetery. 

We have two chapels, them main chapel seats 80 people and the family chapel seats 24 people and can be used for more intimate services.

Both of our chapels are equipped with a music system and a hearing loop so no part of the service is missed. As part of our commitment to our families, our services are one hour which is longer than many other crematoria and gives you the time to reflect after the service.

We are also committed to helping you arrange the service according to your cultural and religious needs. Please speak to our dedicated chapel attendant.

Our burial chapel is a Grade II listed building and sits in the middle of the cemetery, it opened occasionally for events and open days.

The crematorium also has access for the less-abled and accessible toilet facilities. 

Our peaceful gardens of remembrance offer a variety of personalised memorials for you to choose from, including scattering, wall niches and plaques, benches, roses and private gardens. On a clear day, our gardens offer beautiful views of the sea and the city. We are forever expanding our wildlife conservation areas and our gardens are great place for reflection and contemplation as well as hosting 193 commonwealth war graves. 

We have also recently installed a 'Letters to Heaven' post-box where letters can be posted to your loved ones. This is in a seated area overlooking the rose beds. These letters are eventually composted, and returned to the soil, feeding the roses and ensuring your thoughts and memories stay within the grounds.

Our memorial staff can show you around the gardens at any time and help you to make your choice of memorial. If you are looking for burial options, we have spaces available, please enquire within.

Admin office email address - thedowns.crematorium@thecmg.co.uk 

Memorial office email address - downs.memorialoffice@thecmg.co.uk

Facebook Page - The Downs crematorium | Brighton and Hove | Facebook

Instagram Page - The Downs crematorium (@the_downs_crematorium) • Instagram photos and videos

Opening Hours

The Office:
Our office is open Monday - Friday 09:00 - 17:00. We encourage booking an appointment prior to visiting.

The collection of cremated remains and memorial consultations can still take place by means of an appointment.

The Grounds:
Our grounds are open to members of the public.

The Memorial Office:
Appointments can be made by contacting the crematorium by telephone and email.

The Book of Remembrance Room:
Our Book of Remembrance is available during normal office hours. if you cannot view in person, please follow this link for our online Book of Remembrance - https://www.remembrance-books.com/thedowns/

Location

There are two entrances to our grounds. The entrance off Bear Road is closest to the crematorium and the chapel where funeral services are held. Access to the cemetery can be gained via the entrance on Hartington Road.

Our fees

We know that understanding what goes into the cost of a funeral can sometimes be difficult for families. We also recognise that understanding the overall financial implications of arranging a funeral is important. To this end we have included a downloadable price list of the services available to you.

It is important to us that any confusion is completely removed to help families to fully understand what the Cremation Fee includes, and what this means as part of the wider cost of the funeral. We have outlined the elements that are necessary to provide a cremation service to you below, although of course we would be happy to discuss any further queries you might have directly with you. You can contact us at any time to talk through any further options and any fees that might apply.

The cremation fee includes the following:

• All professional services relating to the administration and registration of the cremation, in line with statutory regulation.
• The use of our Chapel along with the assistance of a trained staff member on the day of the service.
• The provision of music during the funeral service (please contact the Crematorium for details of our available options).
• The sensitive handling of the cremation in line with environmental legislation.
• The appropriate national environmental levy for mercury abatement.
• The scattering or interment of the ashes within our Gardens of Remembrance, or the preparation for their removal along with a suitable container and the Cremation Certificate.
• Alternatively, we will look after the ashes safely and securely at our Crematoria site and can share with you the various options and next steps available to care for your loved ones ashes.

We also offer weekend services, fees for which along with  other available services are detailed in the PDF attachment entitled Cremation Price List

Direct cremation

We have a number of options available to meet the ever increasing demand for this service which are detailed below.

Unattended Direct Cremation

• There will be no service in the chapel and no mourners in attendance.
• Sometime following the cremation, staff at the Crematorium will contact the Applicant to confirm instructions for the ashes in order to offer any further assistance. There are many occasions when families change their decision having had time for further thought and discussion.
• We will now be offering a virtual memorial service, please enquire directly with us for more information.

Attended Direct Cremation

• The attended direct cremation is available at 9.00am.
• This option enables families to attend the crematorium to see the coffin in the chapel and be able to spend a few moments with the coffin before the leaving the chapel.
• The crematorium staff will be available to help and assist you during the time at the crematorium, showing you both in and out of the chapel at the appropriate times.
• Music may also be played should you wish.
• Sometime following the cremation, staff at the Crematorium will contact the Applicant to confirm instructions for the ashes in order to offer any further assistance. There are many occasions when families change their mind having had time for further thought.

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