Memorial gardens
For the burial or placing of ashes, we offer a choice of private or communal gardens in different styles and locations within our grounds.
Rated 5/5
Hawkinge Crematorium
Hawkinge has been a place for Kent families to say goodbye for nearly seventy years. The chapel is distinctive and intimate, which suits a smaller gathering well. Six acres of gardens sit around it, with level paths, water and well-kept beds, open to you whether you're attending a service or simply visiting.
Sixty-three seats with room for around 100 standing, and parking on site. Hawkinge is the crematorium for Folkestone and the surrounding coast, including Dover, Hythe and Ashford. A service can be watched online by anyone who cannot travel.
Reviews for Dignity Group
- Included:Over 200 years of caring for families
- Included:Local service from 558 branches
- Included:Funerals, plans, probate and more
Arranging a funeral at Hawkinge Crematorium
To hold a funeral here, speak to your local Dignity funeral director. They'll book the chapel, settle the paperwork with the crematorium and talk you through the choices at whatever pace suits you.
There's no rush, and no question is too small. You don't need to have anything worked out before you call.
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A chapel for every faith and belief
Ceremonies in our chapel can be arranged entirely around your customs, traditions and preferences. Let your funeral director know what matters to you, and they’ll take care of everything.
Memorials – a lasting tribute to someone special
Ask your funeral director about arranging a memorial at Hawkinge Crematorium.
Plaques or dedications
If you choose to scatter or keep the ashes, a plaque in our memorial grounds or dedication in the Book of Remembrance creates a lasting tribute for loved ones to visit.
Keepsakes and urns
Keep their memory close with a daily reminder of the person they were. From the traditional to the contemporary.
Visiting us
- Aerodrome Road, Folkestone, Kent, CT18 7AG
- 01303 892215
Crematorium Office Opening Hours
Monday-Friday: 9am to 5pm (Excluding Bank Holidays)
Crematorium Grounds Opening Hours
Monday-Sunday: 24/7
Book Of Remembrance Opening Hours
Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm
Our funeral directors near Hawkinge Crematorium
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What to expect at a cremation
Attending a ceremony
Each service here has a set length, and it varies from one crematorium to another. Your funeral director will tell you how long you have, let you know when to arrive and where to gather, and keep an eye on the timings on the day so that you don't have to.
The service can include readings, music and time for reflection, led by a minister, celebrant or family member. At the moment of farewell, called the committal, the coffin is lowered or hidden behind a curtain. Some families prefer to leave it in view.
When the service ends, there's usually time to gather outside and speak with other guests. Your funeral director will be there if you have any questions or concerns.
What to wear
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.
After the ceremony
The ashes are ready to collect from the crematorium a few days after the cremation. We can also hand-deliver them or scatter them in our memorial grounds for you, whichever you prefer. Some families choose to keep the ashes at home or scatter them somewhere with personal meaning.
A memorial is a lasting place in the world for someone special. Our crematoria offer a range of options, from plaques and benches to planting a tree in the gardens. Memorials can also be arranged after a direct cremation, even if there was no ceremony held at the crematorium itself.
What families say about us
Rated 4.86 / 5 based on 21 reviews.
Rated 5/5
I cannot speak highly enough of Hannah - kind, compassionate and very caring - an absolute gem! She assured me in every way and nothing was too much trouble during my visits to organise my husband’s cremation. The chapel itself is just beautiful and seems to wrap itself around you. Many thanks Gwen Hedley
Gwen Hedley, 12 February 2026
Rated 5/5
Hannah was so helpful when we asked about tracing a friend’s details. She found the relevant book and showed us the book of remembrance.
She has the perfect temperament and compassion needed when dealing with people who are often grieving. Although ours was just a general enquiry she looked after us really well. Thanks very much
St. Paul's Bibliographies, 23 December 2025
Rated 5/5
Beautiful setting for a funeral or cremation with friendly and helpful staff putting together a amazing memorial service in a well laid out chapel.
Graeme Rolph, 8 May 2025
FAQs
We’re here to answer all your questions. If anything isn’t clear, please ask us.
Advice and guidance
Guides on cremation services and what to do with ashes.
Cremation service
What happens at a cremation, the paperwork needed beforehand, how long the service lasts, what shapes the cost, and when the ashes come back to you.
What to do with cremation ashes
Twenty things families have done with ashes – jewellery, tattoos, vinyl records, reefs, fireworks, a planted tree – and the practicalities of each.
Places to scatter ashes in the UK
Nine places families choose to scatter ashes – at home, at sea, on hills, rivers and sports grounds – and the permission each one asks of you first.
Burying ashes
Burying ashes in a cemetery, churchyard, garden of remembrance, woodland ground or your own garden – the permission needed for each, and what it costs.
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