Making funeral arrangements should feel manageable, not overwhelming.
At Welham Jones Funerals & Memorials, we’ve been helping families in Tunbridge Wells make these difficult decisions since 2015. Our direct cremation service gives you a simple, respectful option that lets you say goodbye on your own terms.
Direct cremation (also known as a pure or purely cremation) is a cremation that takes place without a funeral service or ceremony. Your loved one is collected, cared for, and cremated at a time arranged by the funeral director. There’s no procession, no hearse, and no attendees at the crematorium.
The name tells you what happens. Your loved one goes directly from our care to the crematorium. The average cost of direct cremation in the UK is £1,597, making it about 60% cheaper than a traditional cremation funeral which costs £3,980 on average [1].
But cheaper doesn’t mean lesser care. Every person in our care receives the same respect and attention, regardless of which service their family chooses.
We’re seeing more families in Tunbridge Wells opt for direct cremation. Some do it for financial reasons. Others prefer something simpler. Many want to plan their own celebration of life rather than a traditional funeral.
One in five funerals in the UK is now a direct cremation, and that number keeps growing [1].
People who didn’t want any fuss during their lifetime often request direct cremation. Elderly relatives sometimes say they’d rather the family spent money on a good get-together instead of an expensive funeral. Others simply prefer the flexibility it offers.
Families scattered across different countries find direct cremation helpful. The ashes can be kept until everyone can gather for a memorial that suits their schedule.
Some people have no strong ties to any church or religious community. They see little point in a crematorium ceremony where they don’t know the celebrant and the service feels impersonal.
Cost is another factor. The average cost of a funeral with cremation in the UK is £3,795 [1]. For families facing unexpected funeral costs, direct cremation offers breathing space.
We’re a family-run funeral director, not a national call centre. When you contact us, you’ll speak with people who know Tunbridge Wells and understand local needs.
Collection and Care
We bring your loved one into our care from anywhere within a 10-mile radius of our Tunbridge Wells branch. They’re prepared with dignity and kept in our facilities until the cremation.
All Necessary Documentation
We handle the paperwork. In England and Wales, there’s a doctor’s fee of £82 for completing cremation paperwork. We sort out the medical certificates, crematorium bookings, and registrar requirements.
A Simple Coffin
We provide a suitable coffin. This is typically a simple wooden coffin that meets all legal requirements and crematorium standards.
The Cremation Itself
The cremation takes place at Kent and Sussex Crematorium in Hawkenbury, Tunbridge Wells, which has served the local area since 1958 [2].
Return of Ashes
You have three options. We can return the ashes to you at our office. You can collect them directly from the crematorium. Or we can arrange for them to be scattered in the crematorium’s garden of remembrance.
Knowing what happens next helps during a difficult time.
Call us. We’ll answer your questions and explain what happens next. There’s no pressure. If direct cremation isn’t right for you, we’ll discuss other options.
The death must be registered with the local registrar. We can advise you on this process and what documents you’ll need.
Once all paperwork is in place, we collect your loved one. We use proper funeral vehicles and treat everyone with respect.
Your loved one is placed in the coffin and kept in our care until the cremation date. All legal checks are completed during this time.
The cremation takes place at Kent and Sussex Crematorium. More than 2,000 cremations take place at this site each year [2]. The process follows all regulations and dignity standards.
Usually within a few days, the ashes are ready. We contact you to arrange collection or scattering as you’ve chosen.
Most Tunbridge Wells families complete the entire process within 10 to 14 days, though this depends on documentation and crematorium availability.
Yes, absolutely.
The cremation or burial and the memorial ceremony do not have to happen at the same time. Many families find this separation helpful.
You might hold a memorial service at:
Some families wait weeks or even months. This gives time to plan something personal. It lets relatives travel from overseas. It allows you to book the right venue and gather the right people.
There’s no rule saying you must have flowers, order of service sheets, or formal hymns. Play their favourite music. Serve their favourite food. Tell stories that make people laugh.
Tunbridge Wells has a population of 116,028 [3], with many families who’ve lived here for generations. We understand the local community.
The area has an ageing population with over 65s representing 19.8% of residents [3]. Many people are thinking ahead about their own funeral wishes or helping elderly relatives plan.
The crematorium sits on Benhall Mill Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN2 5JJ [4]. It’s accessible by car and public transport. The 285 bus service runs from Tunbridge Wells station and the town centre.
If you want to visit the gardens of remembrance after a direct cremation, the crematorium is open 9am-5pm Monday to Thursday, and 9am to 4:30pm on Fridays [4].
The grounds cover 16 acres of beautifully maintained gardens [2], offering peaceful spaces for reflection. Many local families visit regularly to remember loved ones whose ashes were scattered there.
We believe in clear pricing.
We offer three direct cremation options:
CMA Unattended (CMA U): £1,376.50* (plus third-party fees)
This is our most affordable unattended cremation package. It includes:
Third-party fees (crematorium, doctor’s certificates) are additional.
Learn more a about our CMA U funeral package here.
Purely Cremation: £1,733.50* (includes all third-party fees)
Our fully inclusive unattended cremation package covers:
No hidden costs. No surprise bills. The price you see is what you pay.
Learn more about our Purely Cremation package here.
*Prices as of October 2025.
Many people plan their own direct cremation in advance.
This takes pressure off your family. They won’t need to guess what you wanted. They won’t worry about costs. Everything is arranged and paid for.
Some people set money aside. Others use funeral plans or insurance. We can discuss the options that work for you.
If you’re thinking about your own arrangements, talk to us. There’s no obligation. We’ll explain how pre-planning works and answer any questions you have.
We’re not a national funeral company operating from call centres across the country. We’re local people serving local families.
Over 25 years in West Kent and South East London
We know Tunbridge Wells. We understand the area, the crematorium, and what local families need.
Family-Run Business
You’ll deal with real people who care. Not scripts. Not sales targets. Just honest advice.
Clear Pricing
We tell you the cost upfront. No hidden fees appear later.
Personal Service
Even with direct cremation, we treat your loved one with the same care as any other service.
Local Knowledge
We work with Kent and Sussex Crematorium regularly. We know the booking process, the facilities, and the staff.
Our Tunbridge Wells funeral home is at 39 Crescent Rd, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2LZ.
If someone has just died and you need immediate help, call us now on 01892 300330. We’re here 24 hours a day.
If you’re thinking ahead about your own arrangements or exploring options for a relative, get in touch when you’re ready. No pressure. No sales pitch. Just straightforward answers to your questions.
You can also visit us in person. Sometimes it helps to sit down with someone face to face and talk things through properly.
Direct cremation isn’t right for everyone. But for many Tunbridge Wells families, it offers a simple, affordable way to handle the practical side of death while keeping the freedom to remember and celebrate life in their own way.
[1] “Funeral Costs – Cost Of Dying Report 2025,” SunLife, https://www.sunlife.co.uk/over-50-life-insurance/funeral-costs/
[2] “Council Leader tours crematorium,” Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, https://tunbridgewells.gov.uk/news/2022/december/council-leader-tours-crematorium
[3] “Tunbridge Wells Demographics,” Varbes, https://www.varbes.com/demographics/tunbridge-wells-demographics
[4] “Kent and Sussex Crematorium,” Kent & Sussex Crematorium, https://kentandsussexcrematorium.com
Can anyone attend the cremation?
No, not with our Purely (direct) cremation service. Direct (Purely) cremations take place without mourners present. This keeps costs low. If you want people to attend, we can arrange an attended cremation instead, such as our CMA A – Competition and Market Authority’s Attended funeral package.
What happens to the ashes?
You choose what happens to the ashes. Most families collect them from us or the crematorium. Some prefer them scattered in the crematorium’s garden of remembrance. Others keep them at home or scatter them somewhere meaningful.
How long does it take?
Usually 10-14 days from first contact to receiving the ashes. This depends on when the death is registered and crematorium availability.
Can items be cremated with my loved one?
Yes, within reason, items can be cremated with your loved one. Small personal items like photographs, letters, or flowers can usually be included. Metal objects and anything hazardous cannot.
Will they be cremated on their own?
Yes, they will be cremated on their own. UK law requires each cremation to be carried out individually. Your loved one will be cremated alone in a coffin.
Is direct cremation respectful?
Absolutely a direct cremation is respectful. The cremation process is identical to any other cremation. It’s a completely respectful service that honours every individual’s wishes. The only difference is the absence of a ceremony beforehand.
Can we change our minds?
Before arrangements are finalised, yes. Once you’ve paid and the cremation date is booked, changes become more difficult. Talk to us if you’re uncertain about anything.
What if we're on a tight budget?
We understand. The government offers a Funeral Expenses Payment to help families cover costs if you’re receiving certain benefits. We can help you apply.
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.
