When someone you love dies, you need a funeral director who knows Tunbridge Wells inside out.
Not just the postcode. Not just the crematorium address. The real knowledge that comes from serving local families for over 25 years, understanding which car parks have disabled spaces near Church of King Charles the Martyr, knowing the best route to Kent and Sussex Crematorium during school run times, recognising the families we’ve helped across generations.
That’s what makes Welham Jones different. Trust us to organise thoughtful funeral arrangements that honour your loved one’s legacy.
A traditional funeral service in Tunbridge Wells typically follows a familiar pattern. A service at church or crematorium. Family and friends gathering to say goodbye. A coffin, flowers, and the chance to share memories.
But “traditional” doesn’t mean “one size fits all.”
Some families want a full church service at Church of King Charles the Martyr, the beautiful Grade I listed building from 1678 with its spectacular plasterwork ceiling. Others prefer the peaceful chapel at Kent and Sussex Crematorium on Benhall Mill Road, where we’ve conducted hundreds of services.
Traditional funeral services with Welham Jones include:
We arrange everything at the crematorium or cemetery, pay all third-party fees on your behalf, and make sure the day runs smoothly. Trust us for supportive and gentle graveside services in Tunbridge Wells.
Royal Tunbridge Wells has a population of around 115,300 people. [1] Nearly 20% of residents are over 65. [2]
That means local funeral directors matter here.
Large corporate chains own many funeral homes across the UK. But families in Tunbridge Wells consistently tell us they want something different. They want to speak to the same person throughout. They want someone who remembers their mum came from Southborough, or that dad was a regular at the cricket on Southborough Common.
Welham Jones is family-owned and independent. We’re members of SAIF (Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors), which means we follow strict codes of practice and remain truly independent.
When you call us, you’ll speak to one of our experienced team, not a call centre. When you visit our office, you’ll sit down with the same funeral arranger who’ll be there throughout. And on the day of the funeral, we’ll be there personally to make sure everything goes exactly as planned.
Let’s talk about money. Not because we want to, but because it matters.
The average funeral in the UK costs around £4,285 for funeral director services, plus another £1,000-£1,500 for third-party costs. [2] Third-party costs (we call them disbursements) include:
We’ll always give you a clear, written estimate before you commit to anything. Every cost. Every fee. No surprises.
Some families worry about paying. We understand. Funeral costs often come before probate is sorted, before the estate is settled. We can discuss payment plans, and we’re always happy to talk through your options honestly.
We know every church, crematorium, and cemetery in the Tunbridge Wells area.
Kent and Sussex Crematorium on Benhall Mill Road is where most local cremations take place. [3] The chapel seats 90 people with room for 30 standing. Services usually last 45 minutes or 30 minutes for early or late slots. [4] The 16-acre memorial gardens are open 24 hours a day for visits.
Church of King Charles the Martyr on Warwick Park is Tunbridge Wells’ oldest church. [5] Built in 1676-1678, its ornate plasterwork ceiling is one of the finest examples of 17th-century craftsmanship in England. [6] Many families choose it for traditional Anglican funerals.
St Augustine’s Catholic Church on Crescent Road serves the local Catholic community. [7] We’ve arranged many requiem masses there over the years.
St Barnabas Parish Church on Camden Road has served families for over 120 years. [8] The Anglo-Catholic tradition provides beautiful, dignified services.
We also work regularly with Methodist, Baptist, and United Reformed churches across Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding villages. [9]
For burial, Kent and Sussex Cemetery sits next to the crematorium. Families with existing plots at Woodbury Park Cemetery can still use that historic site, opened in 1849. [10]
Funerals bring people together. Often from far away.
Tunbridge Wells Station provides fast trains to London, typically 50 minutes to London Charing Cross, London Bridge, or Victoria. [11] The station has lifts to all platforms and accessible facilities for anyone with mobility needs.
Parking can be tricky in town. But Tunbridge Wells has 13 car parks with 92 designated disabled spaces offering free parking for blue badge holders. [12]
By car, the A21, A26, and A264 all run through Tunbridge Wells, making it easy to reach from Maidstone, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, or the M25.
For families who need accessible transport, Compaid offers door-to-door wheelchair accessible services across Kent. [15]
This is the question we hear most: “What do I do now?”
Here’s what happens:
Learn more here.
Traditional doesn’t have to mean boring.
We’ve arranged funerals with jazz bands. Funerals with motorcycle processions. Funerals in gardens, on boats, and at football grounds.
Yes, most families in Tunbridge Wells still choose a traditional format. But the details, the music, the readings, the coffin, the flowers, those are where your mum, dad, husband, wife, or friend’s personality shines through.
Popular personal touches include:
Half of Tunbridge Wells residents identify as Christian, but 40% say they have no religion. [18] That means we arrange just as many non-religious funerals with celebrants as we do traditional church services.
We’re here to help you create exactly the farewell your loved one deserves.
This is a personal choice. There’s no right or wrong answer.
Cremation has become more common in the UK. It typically costs £2,000-£5,000 less than burial. The ashes can be scattered, buried, kept at home, or placed in a memorial garden. For families spread across the country, cremation offers flexibility.
Burial provides a permanent resting place. A grave you can visit. A headstone with their name. For many families, especially those with strong religious beliefs or family plots, burial is the natural choice.
We’ll talk you through both options honestly, explaining the costs, the process, and what happens afterwards.
Royal Tunbridge Wells gained its “Royal” status in 1909, one of only three towns in England with this honour. [17]
We know this town. We know that Church of King Charles the Martyr can fit 160 people easily, but gets booked up weeks in advance. We know that Kent and Sussex Crematorium prefers you to arrive 10 minutes before the service starts, not 30. We know which florists deliver on time, which celebrants connect with families, and which routes avoid traffic during rush hour.
This knowledge comes from being here, in Tunbridge Wells. From serving Tunbridge Wells families year after year. From being part of this community, not a regional office managing multiple locations.
When you choose Welham Jones, you’re choosing people who care about Tunbridge Wells because we live here, work here, and raise our families here.
Losing someone is hard. Arranging their funeral shouldn’t be.
We’re here to help, with over 25 years of experience serving families across Royal Tunbridge Wells, Southborough, Pembury, and the surrounding areas. Learn about how a funeral director in Tunbridge Wells supports families with empathy and professionalism.
Call us any time, day or night, on 01892 300330. Or visit us at 39 Crescent Rd, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2LZ Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm.
We’ll sit down with you, listen to what you want, and guide you through every step with care, respect, and honesty.
[1] “How the population changed in Tunbridge Wells, Census 2021,” Office for National Statistics, https://www.ons.gov.uk/visualisations/censuspopulationchange/E07000116/
[2] “Funeral Costs – Cost Of Dying Report 2025,” SunLife, https://www.sunlife.co.uk/over-50-life-insurance/funeral-costs/
[3] “Homepage,” Kent and Sussex Crematorium, https://kentandsussexcrematorium.com/
[4] “Fees & Charges,” Kent and Sussex Crematorium, https://kentandsussexcrematorium.com/our-services/fees-charges/
[5] “King Charles the Martyr,” A Church Near You, https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/16969/
[6] “Church of King Charles the Martyr,” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_King_Charles_the_Martyr,_Royal_Tunbridge_Wells
[7] “St Augustine’s Church,” St Augustine’s, http://www.st-augustine.co.uk/
[8] “St Barnabas Parish Church,” St Barnabas, https://www.sbtwells.org/
[9] “List of places of worship in Tunbridge Wells,” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_places_of_worship_in_Tunbridge_Wells_(borough)
[10] “Woodbury Park Cemetery,” Friends of Woodbury Park Cemetery, https://www.fwpc.org.uk/
[11] “Tunbridge Wells Station,” National Rail, https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/tunbridge-wells/
[12] “Parking & Car Parks,” Visit Tunbridge Wells, https://visittunbridgewells.com/plan-your-trip/getting-here-and-around/parking-car-parks/
[13] “Royal Victoria Place car park,” Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, https://tunbridgewells.gov.uk/parking/car-parks/find-a-car-park/royal-victoria-place
[14] “Crescent Road car park,” Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, https://tunbridgewells.gov.uk/parking/car-parks/find-a-car-park/crescent-road
[15] “Accessible Transport,” Compaid, https://www.compaid.org.uk/what-we-do/accessible-transport/
[16] “Register a death,” Kent County Council, https://www.kent.gov.uk/births-ceremonies-and-deaths/deaths/register-a-death
[17] “Royal Tunbridge Wells,” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Tunbridge_Wells
[18] “Tunbridge Wells Demographics,” Varbes, https://www.varbes.com/demographics/tunbridge-wells-demographics
How much does a traditional funeral cost in Tunbridge Wells?
A traditional funeral typically costs £3,700-£4,500 for our services, plus £1,300-£1,500 for third-party costs like crematorium fees, doctors’ certificates, and celebrant fees. We provide a full written estimate before you commit.
Our CMA A – Competition and Market Authority’s Attended – funeral package, is £3,018.75*
*Our as of October 2025
How long does it take to arrange a funeral?
Usually 3-5 weeks (subject to availability) from death to funeral, though it can be quicker or longer depending on crematorium availability, religious requirements, and family needs.
What's the difference between burial and cremation?
Cremation reduces the body to ashes at high temperature. Burial places the body in the ground in a coffin. Cremation usually costs £2,000-£5,000 less and offers more flexibility with the ashes afterwards.
Do I have to use Kent and Sussex Crematorium?
No, though it’s the local crematorium most Tunbridge Wells families use. We can arrange services at any crematorium or cemetery in Kent, Sussex, or London.
Can I see my loved one before the funeral?
Yes, we have a chapel of rest where you can visit. We’ll prepare your loved one so they look peaceful and dignified.
What if I want a non-religious funeral?
That’s absolutely fine. We work with experienced celebrants who create personalised, non-religious ceremonies that celebrate your loved one’s life.
How do I register a death?
You need to register with Kent County Council within 5 days. We’ll guide you through exactly what documents you need and how to book an appointment.
Address:
39 Crescent Rd
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN1 2LZ
How to find us: Map
Phone: 01892 300330
Email: tunbridgewells@welhamjones.co.uk
Business Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
Saturday and Sunday: appointment only
For community deaths outside those hours, we also provide a 24/7 response, 365 days of the year.
