When someone you love passes away in Tunbridge Wells, you need funeral arrangements that honour their memory properly.
Most families feel overwhelmed by the choices and decisions they face during such a difficult time.
That’s exactly why Welham Jones has been helping Tunbridge Wells families since 2015, we handle the details so you can focus on what matters most.
Reach out to our dedicated funeral director team for personalised assistance during this difficult time.
Funeral arrangements are all the services and decisions needed to plan a meaningful farewell for your loved one. This includes choosing between burial or cremation, selecting venues, arranging transport, and handling all the legal paperwork.
Every family in Tunbridge Wells faces these same questions. Where should the service be held? What type of ceremony feels right? How do we notify everyone who cared about our loved one?
We’ve walked alongside hundreds of local Tunbridge Wells families through these decisions. Each situation is different, but the care and attention remain the same.
The legal requirements in the UK and Kent are straightforward. You have five days to register the death at Tunbridge Wells Register Office on Mount Pleasant [1]. After that, you can begin making funeral arrangements.
Most families choose their arrangements within a week of the death. This gives enough time for relatives to travel and for proper planning without feeling rushed.
Tunbridge Wells offers several beautiful burial locations for families who prefer traditional ground burial., and you can experience respectful, personal service through our traditional funerals in Tunbridge Wells.
Tunbridge Wells Cemetery on Frant Road has been serving local families since 1873 [2]. The Victorian cemetery provides peaceful surroundings with well-maintained grounds and historic charm.
Location: Tunbridge Wells Cemetery, Frant Road, Tunbridge Wells TN2 5LU [Map]
For those preferring a church burial, Holy Trinity Church in Eridge Green, just outside Tunbridge Wells, offers consecrated ground burial for parishioners [3]. The churchyard has limited spaces, so early discussion with the vicar is important.
Location: Eridge Rd, Eridge Green, Tunbridge Wells TN3 9JG [Map]
St Augustine’s Catholic Church also provides burial services for Catholic families [4]. Father O’Brien works closely with funeral directors to arrange meaningful Catholic burial services.
Location: Crescent Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2LY [Map]
Burial costs in Tunbridge Wells typically range from £1,200 to £2,500 for the grave purchase, depending on location and size. Additional fees apply for grave digging and cemetery maintenance.
We handle all the paperwork with the cemetery authorities. This includes purchasing the grave rights, arranging the burial time, and coordinating with gravediggers and monument services.
We can also assist with planning peaceful green/eco-friendly and graveside funerals in the local community.
Many Tunbridge Wells families choose cremation for practical and personal reasons.
Kent and Sussex Crematorium in Tunbridge Wells provides dignified cremation services in beautiful surroundings [5].
Location: Benhall Mill Rd, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN2 5JJ [Map]
The main chapel seats 80 people comfortably. A smaller chapel accommodates intimate services for up to 30 attendees. Both chapels have modern audio systems and can display photo tributes during the service.
Medway Crematorium in Rochester offers an alternative for families preferring different surroundings [6]. The 45-minute drive allows for a funeral procession through the Kent countryside.
Cremation fees at Kent and Sussex Crematorium start at £830 for the basic service. This includes use of the chapel, committal service, and standard cremation process.
We arrange all aspects of cremation services, including our simple and dignified direct cremation services in Tunbridge Wells. From booking the crematorium to preparing the deceased, we handle every detail with care and professionalism.
Tunbridge Wells has many beautiful venues for funeral services, each offering different atmospheres and capacities.
St Barnabas Church on Stanley Road offers a more intimate setting for smaller congregations [7]. The Arts and Crafts building provides warm acoustics and seats up to 150 people.
For non-religious services, The Assembly Hall Theatre on Crescent Road can accommodate larger gatherings [8]. The main auditorium seats 1,020 people, making it suitable for well-known community members.
Salomons Estate offers elegant reception facilities for post-service gatherings [9]. The historic mansion provides catering facilities and beautiful grounds for family receptions.
Many families combine church services with crematorium committal. We coordinate timing between venues and arrange appropriate transport for the funeral party.
Catholic families often choose St Augustine’s Church for requiem masses [4]. Father O’Brien celebrates traditional Latin masses or contemporary English services according to family preferences.
Funeral processions through Tunbridge Wells follow traditional routes that respect both traffic flow and dignity.
Our funeral fleet includes traditional black hearses and modern alternatives. The Jaguar hearses accommodate standard coffins and larger American-style caskets. Vintage Rolls-Royce hearses are available for families preferring classic elegance.
Standard funeral processions travel from our chapel of rest on London Road through the town centre, or from your home to the chosen venue. This route passes the Pantiles and allows community members to pay their respects.
Alternative routes avoid busy areas like Mount Pleasant and the High Street during peak shopping hours. We discuss route preferences during arrangement meetings and accommodate special requests where possible.
Horse-drawn hearses create memorable processions for special circumstances. We can provide traditional black horses and Victorian hearses. These services require advance booking and weather considerations.
Motorcycle hearses offer unique alternatives for motorbike enthusiasts. The specially adapted motorcycles can carry coffins safely and create striking funeral processions.
We coordinate all transport logistics. This includes timing between venues, parking arrangements at churches and crematoria, and ensuring family cars follow appropriate routes. Allow us to assist you with dignified transportation arrangements.
Should you loved one die overseas, we can provide clear guidance and assistance with international funeral repatriation.
Funeral costs in Tunbridge Wells vary significantly depending on choices made and services required.
Basic funeral packages start at £3,018 and include collection of the deceased, preparation (learn more here), basic coffin, hearse, and funeral director services [12]. This covers legal requirements and simple ceremonies.
Standard funeral services typically cost between £3,700 (Direct funeral package) and £4,610 (Classic Funeral Package). These include embalming, better quality coffins, limousine for family, church or crematorium fees, and floral tributes.
Bespoke funeral arrangements prices are on request. These might include oak or mahogany coffins, horse-drawn hearses, extensive floral arrangements, catering, and additional services.
The government funeral payment helps qualifying families with costs [13]. This payment covers up to £1,000 for funeral director services plus burial or cremation fees. Families receiving certain benefits may qualify for this support.
We accept various payment methods including cash, cheques, debit cards, and bank transfers.
Funeral insurance and pre-paid funeral plans help families manage costs in advance. Several local insurance providers offer funeral-specific policies that cover expected costs and inflation.
Many families use flowers donations to charity instead of expensive floral displays. We help coordinate charitable donations and provide collection boxes at services.
More Tunbridge Wells residents are making their own funeral arrangements in advance.
Pre-planning removes difficult decisions from grieving family members. You can choose your preferred burial or cremation, select venues, pick music, and even write your own service outline.
Pre-paid funeral plans fix costs at today’s prices and protect against future inflation. Most plans cover all essential services and can be customized with additional options.
Funeral wishes forms help you communicate preferences to family members. These simple documents outline your wishes for burial or cremation, service type, music choices, and any special requests.
Discussing funeral wishes with family prevents confusion and arguments later. Many families find these conversations difficult but ultimately helpful for everyone involved.
Living wills and funeral instructions can be included in legal documents. Solicitors help ensure funeral wishes have legal standing and cannot be overridden by family disagreements.
We offer free consultation meetings for pre-planning discussions. These informal meetings help you understand options and costs without any commitment or pressure.
Memorial services offer flexible alternatives to traditional funerals.
Many families hold memorial services weeks or months after the funeral. This allows distant relatives to attend and creates opportunities for larger gatherings celebrating the person’s life.
Celebration of life services focus on happy memories rather than mourning. These events might include favourite music, photo displays, shared stories, and refreshments in relaxed settings.
The Spa Hotel on Mount Ephraim provides elegant venues for memorial receptions [14]. The Georgian hotel offers various room sizes and professional catering services.
Location: Langton Rd, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Tunbridge Wells TN4 8XJ [Map]
Dunorlan Park offers beautiful outdoor locations for scattering ceremonies and memorial gatherings [15]. The lakes and gardens provide peaceful settings for remembrance ceremonies.
Location: Pembury Rd, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Tunbridge Wells TN2 3QN [Map]
We help organize memorial services and celebration of life ceremonies at any venue. From church halls to hotel function rooms, we coordinate logistics and provide necessary equipment for meaningful gatherings.
Digital memorial services became popular during recent years. Live streaming allows distant family and friends to participate in services. We provide technical support for online memorial services.
If you need help or advice, contact our Tunbridge Wells funeral home here.
Losing someone close affects everyone differently, and support needs vary greatly.
Cruse Bereavement Care operates locally in Tunbridge Wells [16]. Trained volunteers provide free confidential support through phone calls, face-to-face meetings, and group sessions.
Age UK Tunbridge Wells offers specific support for older bereaved people [17]. Their befriending service matches volunteers with lonely older people who have lost spouses or partners.
Children need special support when dealing with death and funerals. Winston’s Wish provides resources and guidance for helping children cope with bereavement. Their website offers practical advice for parents and teachers.
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council maintains a list of local support groups and counselling services [19]. The council website includes contact details for various organizations offering bereavement support.
We provide ongoing support beyond the funeral day. Our aftercare service includes help with probate paperwork, memorial arrangements, and connecting families with appropriate support organizations.
Financial advice helps families manage inheritance and estate matters. Citizens Advice Tunbridge Wells offers free guidance on benefits, debts, and financial problems following bereavement [20].
Location: Citizens Advice in North & West Kent (Tunbridge Wells), Unit 311, 8th floor, Royal Victoria Place, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2SS [Map]
How quickly do I need to arrange a funeral in Tunbridge Wells?
You must register the death within five days, but there’s no legal requirement for when the funeral must take place. Most families arrange funerals within 1-2 weeks to allow time for relatives to travel and for proper planning.
Can I arrange a funeral without using a funeral director?
Yes, you can arrange everything yourself, but this involves significant paperwork, coordination, and legal requirements. Most families find funeral directors essential for handling logistics and ensuring all legal obligations are met.
What's the difference between burial and cremation costs?
Burial typically costs more due to grave purchase fees (£1,200-£2,500) plus ongoing maintenance. Cremation fees start around £830, but you might want additional services like memorial gardens or scattering ceremonies.
Can we hold a funeral service anywhere we choose?
Most venues welcome funeral services, but you need to check availability and facilities. Churches, crematorium chapels, hotels, and community halls all host funeral services with proper planning and coordination.
How do we choose between different funeral directors?
Look for local experience, transparent pricing, and personal recommendations. Visit their premises, meet the staff, and ask about their approach to family care. A good funeral director should make you feel supported and understood
What happens if we can't afford the funeral costs?
Government funeral payments help qualifying families, and most funeral directors offer payment plans. Some charities also provide funeral grants for families in financial hardship. Don’t let cost concerns prevent you from seeking help.
Can children attend funeral services?
Children can attend if parents feel it’s appropriate. Many families find that including children helps them understand death and say goodbye. Consider the child’s age, relationship to the deceased, and their own wishes about attending.
How long do cremation ashes take to be ready?
Ashes are typically ready within 2-3 working days after cremation. The crematorium processes ashes carefully and provides them in a temporary container unless you’ve chosen a specific urn or casket.
Do we need to purchase a grave forever?
Grave purchases are typically for 50-75 years, not forever. After this period, graves can be renewed, or the burial authority may reclaim the space. Check specific terms with the cemetery when purchasing.
Can we arrange eco-friendly funerals in Tunbridge Wells?
Yes, eco-friendly options include biodegradable coffins, natural burial grounds, and woodland cremation services. We can help you explore environmentally conscious options that align with your values and budget.
[1] “Register a Death,” Kent County Council, https://www.kent.gov.uk/leisure-and-community/ceremonies/deaths/register-a-death
[2] “Tunbridge Wells Cemetery,” Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, https://www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/residents/births-marriages-deaths-and-ceremonies/cemeteries-and-burial-grounds/tunbridge-wells-cemetery
[3] “Holy Trinity Church, Eridge Green,” Parish Website, https://eridgechurch.org/
[4] “St Augustine’s Catholic Church,” Parish Website, http://www.st-augustine.co.uk/
[5] “Kent and Sussex Crematorium,” Official Website, https://www.kentandsussexcrematorium.co.uk
[6] “Medway Crematorium,” Medway Council, https://www.medway.gov.uk/info/200123/cemeteries_and_crematoriums/341/medway_crematorium
[7] “St Barnabas Church,” Parish Website, https://www.sbtwells.org/
[8] “Assembly Hall Theatre,” Venue Hire, https://www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk/
[9] “Salomons Estate,” Event Venue, https://www.salomons-estate.com/
[12] “Funeral Costs Guide,” Sun Life Insurance, https://www.sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs
[13] “Funeral Payments,” UK Government, https://www.gov.uk/funeral-payments
[14] “The Spa Hotel,” Function Rooms, https://www.spahotel.co.uk
[15] “Dunorlan Park,” Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, https://tunbridgewells.gov.uk/community-and-leisure/parks-and-play-areas/dunorlan-park
[16] “Cruse Bereavement Care Tunbridge Wells,” Local Services, https://www.cruse.org.uk/
[17] “Age UK Tunbridge Wells,” Bereavement Support, https://www.ageuk.org.uk/tunbridgewells/
[18] “Winston’s Wish,” Children’s Bereavement Charity, https://www.winstonswish.org
[19] “Community Support,” Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, https://tunbridgewells.gov.uk/cost-of-living-support/support-with-your-health-and-wellbeing
[20] “Citizens Advice Tunbridge Wells,” Free Advice Service, https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/contact-us/search-for-your-local-citizens-advice
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.
