When families in Tunbridge Wells need a coffin supplier, they want someone who understands.
Choosing a coffin is one of the most personal decisions you’ll make during funeral planning. It’s not just about finding something suitable, it’s about finding something that feels right for your loved one.
You don’t just need a coffin supplier. You need someone who gets it.
At Welham Jones Funerals & Memorials, we’ve helped thousands of Tunbridge Wells families through this difficult time. We know the local crematoriums, the churches, the traditions that matter to different communities across Kent. More importantly, we know how overwhelming these decisions can feel.
We keep a wide range of coffins in stock because waiting isn’t an option when you’re planning a funeral.
We offer different styles and price points to suit every family’s needs. Some families want something simple and dignified. Others prefer more elaborate designs. Both choices are perfectly right.
Our coffin prices start from £520 for the Cardboard Manila and go up to £2,595 for the handmade Blenheim casket. We stock over 20 different styles from eco-friendly options to traditional English caskets. Your choice depends on your budget, your loved one’s wishes, and what feels right for your family.
We don’t pressure anyone. Take your time. Ask questions. This decision matters.
Learn more about our casket and coffin prices here.
Most families in our area choose wooden coffins. There’s something comforting about the traditional approach.
Our wooden coffins range from veneered options to solid wood construction. The Windsor coffin (£1,670) is handmade from solid walnut, mahogany or oak with three pairs of brassed metal casket bar handles. The Otford (£2,270) is hand-crafted from solid oak or mahogany timbers with eight panels and triple moulding.
For excellent value, the Penshurst (£520) features mahogany veneer, while the Chislehurst (£1,325) is solid beech wood with fine antiqued oak, elm or mahogany veneers. The Sevenoaks (£985) has mahogany or oak veneer with its characteristic raised lid.
We source all our timber from renewable forests. Our wood comes with FSC certification [1] [2], meaning it’s from well-managed forests or recycled materials.
Each wooden coffin includes handles, nameplate, and interior lining. We can arrange personalisation, many families add small mementos or photographs inside.
Mrs T from Southborough chose oak for her husband last year. She said it matched the dining table they’d shared for forty years. These personal touches matter more than you might think.
Some families prefer caskets to traditional British coffins.
The Knole casket (£1,250) is our most popular English-style casket, a double-moulded design with raised and hinged lid, available in mahogany or oak veneer, lined with luxurious ivory satin and fitted with brass handles, matching T-ends and wreath holders.
For the finest quality, the Blenheim casket (£2,595) is handmade to the highest specification from solid paneled oak or mahogany. It’s double moulded, buttressed with a hinged raised lid, and can be supplied with a couch side and split lid. It comes with a luxurious satin suite and matching gown in white, pink or blue.
American-style caskets are also available. The Washington comes with swing bar hardware and solid post corners, fitted internally with adjustable beds. These distinctive highly polished American caskets come in various woods, metals and finishes, but are supplied to order and priced on application.
Lead times are usually 3-5 days for caskets made to order, except American caskets which may take longer.
More Tunbridge Wells families are choosing eco-friendly options each year.
Our Willow coffin (£1,250) is handcrafted in England from the finest Somerset willow, the colour of weathered gold. The willow is harvested during just six weeks each spring from the Somerset Levels. These come with willow or hemp handles in various colours, two matching coloured bands of your choice, engraved wooden nameplate, natural cotton lining, and some floral decoration included.
The Bamboo coffin (£630) is made entirely from natural materials with six matching bamboo handles and cotton lining. For extra strength, the framed Bamboo coffin (£875) has a softwood frame with woven bamboo panels and worked wooden handles on rope loops.
Other natural options include the Wicker coffin (£875) made from 100% biodegradable willow by cottage industries in Poland, and the oval-shaped Seagrass coffin (£875) woven from natural sea grass in light brown and beige hues.
For completely recyclable options, our Cardboard Manila (£520) and Signature (£630) coffins are made from robust cardboard-like material manufactured in the UK from recycled materials and water-based inks. The Woodfilm version (£630) has a wood-appearance finish.
All our eco-friendly options contain no formaldehyde and are 100% biodegradable. Prices start from £520, making them both environmentally and budget-friendly.
The catch? Not every crematorium or cemetery accepts all eco-friendly options. We check the requirements at Kent & Sussex Crematorium [3] [4], Tunbridge Wells Cemetery [5] [6], and other local sites before you make your final decision.
Sometimes families want something completely different.
Our Avant-garde range starts from £1,325 and incorporates high-quality images designed to reflect the life or lifestyle of the deceased. These coffins come with six handles, wreath holders, nameplate, white taffeta lining, pillow and mattress. Bespoke images and designs are available at additional cost.
The Nomine coffin (£875) is designed to reflect the life of the deceased with an engraved name or message along the side and painted in a single colour of your choice. It comes with four silvered handles, wreath holders, nameplate, white taffeta lining and pillow.
We also have the cardboard Avant-garde option from £875, which comes finished in a choice of stock images and can accommodate bespoke designs at additional cost.
For something truly unique, the Cat’s Paw (£985) is a distinctively different coffin of knotty oak veneer with the appearance of cat’s (or dog’s) paw prints – popular with pet lovers.
Custom work takes 2-3 weeks and pricing varies depending on complexity. Simple personalisation falls within our standard ranges, while elaborate custom designs may cost extra.
The key is starting early. Most funerals happen within 7-14 days, which doesn’t allow time for extensive customisation.
We deliver throughout Tunbridge Wells and surrounding areas.
Our delivery van operates Monday through Saturday. Same-day delivery is usually possible for coffins we stock. Custom orders need advance planning.
Delivery is free within a 10-mile radius of our premises. That covers Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, and Crowborough. For longer distances, please ask us for delivery charges when you call.
Some families want the coffin delivered directly to the church or crematorium. Others prefer it comes to us first so we can make final preparations. Both options work fine.
Cremation has specific requirements that affect coffin choice.
All handles must be removable or made from approved materials. Metal fixtures that don’t burn cleanly get removed before cremation. Certain woods burn better than others.
We handle these technical details automatically. Every coffin we supply for cremation meets requirements at local crematoriums including Kent & Sussex Crematorium [4] and Medway Crematorium.
The good news? Cremation coffins often cost less than burial coffins because elaborate features aren’t necessary. Simple pine or cardboard options work perfectly well and allow families to spend money on other meaningful elements of the service.
American-style funeral caskets differ significantly from British coffins.
They’re wider, more elaborate, and designed for extended viewing. Many include memory boxes, rosary holders, or space for personal items. The interior often features plush fabric and pillows.
We stock a small selection and can order specific styles within 5-7 days. Prices start around £1,200 but can exceed £5,000 for premium models.
Most Tunbridge Wells families stick with traditional British coffins. But families with American connections or specific religious requirements sometimes prefer caskets.
A simple, affordable coffin maintains complete dignity.
Our most affordable option is the Cardboard Manila at £520, which includes six rope handles and cotton lining. Made from robust cardboard-like substance manufactured in the UK from recycled material, it’s 100% biodegradable and suitable for burial or cremation.
For wood-veneered options, the Penshurst (£520) is a simple mahogany-veneered coffin with four shell handles, wreath holders, nameplate and ivory-coloured lining. The Hever (£630) offers elegant elm veneer with six brass handles and matching wreath holders.
These affordable options maintain the same dignity as our more expensive coffins. They’re well-constructed, properly fitted, and come with all necessary components for a respectful funeral.
The money saved on a less expensive coffin can go toward a better headstone, a more elaborate reception, or simply staying in your family rather than adding to funeral costs.
In the UK, there isn’t one single standard adult coffin size, but standard coffins are typically designed for someone up to about 6’4″ (193cm) and around 20-24 inches (51-61cm) wide. These fit comfortably within standard burial plots.
UK crematoriums have maximum size restrictions. The maximum external coffin dimensions allowed are typically 2.08 metres (82 inches) long, 84 centimetres (33 inches) wide and 63 centimetres (25 inches) high [7]. Some crematoriums may have slightly different limits, for example, Kent and Sussex Crematorium state “The coffin shall not exceed 2200mm in length, 1054mm in width and 750mm in height (L: 86.5″ W :41.5″ H : 29.5″). [8]”
The most accurate coffin size is determined by measuring the deceased’s body before the coffin is made. Coffins are typically made 2 inches longer and 2 inches wider than the person.
Custom sizing takes 5-7 days and adds £200-£400 to the base price (starting from £520). For larger individuals requiring oversized coffins, we work within crematorium regulations to ensure proper fit.
Children’s coffins are completely different products with different considerations. We handle those separately and with extra sensitivity.
Choosing a coffin feels overwhelming because it’s permanent.
But here’s what we’ve learned after 25 years: the coffin itself matters less than you think. What matters is that your choice feels right for your family and fits your budget comfortably.
We’ve seen families spend thousands on elaborate coffins and later regret the expense. We’ve seen others choose simple options and feel completely satisfied. Both approaches can be exactly right.
The best coffin is the one that lets you focus on saying goodbye properly instead of worrying about money or appearances.
We’re not the cheapest coffin supplier in Tunbridge Wells. We’re also not the most expensive.
What we are is reliable, honest, and genuinely local. When you call us at 01892 300330, you speak to someone who knows Tunbridge Wells. Who understands local traditions. Who’s helped your neighbours through similar situations.
We keep popular styles in stock so you’re not waiting. We’re honest about costs upfront, all our prices are available online. We explain technical requirements clearly. We deliver when promised.
Most importantly, we remember this is about your family member, not our sales targets. That perspective shapes everything we do.
Coffins are tapered with six sides – wider at the shoulders, narrower at the feet. Caskets are rectangular boxes. British tradition favours coffins, American tradition favours caskets.
Most Tunbridge Wells families spend £520-£1,250. Our range starts from £520 for the Cardboard Manila and goes up to £2,595 for the handmade Blenheim casket. Choose based on your budget and what feels appropriate.
Yes. We offer several personalised options including the Avant-garde range from £1,325 with high-quality images reflecting the deceased’s life, and the Nomine coffin (£875) with engraved names or messages. Cardboard coffins can be self-decorated, and bespoke designs are available at additional cost.
Cremation has specific requirements about materials and fixtures. We automatically supply appropriate coffins for each type of service.
Same day for stock items within our delivery area. Custom orders take 2-3 weeks. Rush orders sometimes possible for extra cost.
Serving Tunbridge Wells and surrounding Kent communities for over 25 years.
Address: 39 Crescent Rd, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2LZ
Phone: 01892 300330
Email: tunbridgewells@welhamjones.co.uk
Available 24/7 for urgent requirements. All prices available online at welhamjones.co.uk
[1] Forest Stewardship Council UK, https://uk.fsc.org/
[2] Forest Stewardship Council certification, https://connect.fsc.org/certification/certification-system
[3] Kent & Sussex Crematorium, Benhall Mill Rd, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN2 5JJ, https://maps.app.goo.gl/c5FLRHHJcJYwR5SZA
[4] Kent & Sussex Crematorium, https://kentandsussexcrematorium.com/
[5] Tunbridge Wells Cemetery, Benhall Mill Rd, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Tunbridge Wells TN2 5JJ, https://maps.app.goo.gl/WZsPiNvGAHCSRVRb8
[6] Tunbridge Wells Cemetery, https://kentandsussexcrematorium.com/our-services/cemetery/tunbridge-wells-cemetery/
[7] “Coffin requirements and transporting the body,” Southend-on-Sea City Council, https://www.southend.gov.uk/arranging-funeral/coffin-requirements-transporting-body
[8] Rules and Regulations of the Kent and Sussex Crematorium, https://kentandsussexcrematorium.com/crematorium-rules-and-regulations/
Address:
39 Crescent Rd
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN1 2LZ
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.
