Direct Cremation Providers UK: Cost & Comparison Guide
Direct cremation is the UK's fastest-growing funeral option. This guide compares major providers, explains costs, and helps you choose the right direct cremation service for your family.
Quick Overview
- ✓Direct cremation costs: £995-£1,950
- ✓£2,000-£3,000 cheaper than traditional funeral
- ✓No service, no mourners, ashes returned to family
- ✓Can hold memorial service separately
Compare Direct Cremation & Traditional Funeral Directors
Get quotes from both direct cremation specialists and traditional funeral directors offering direct cremation. Compare prices and choose the best option.
Compare Cremation Providers →What is Direct Cremation?
Direct cremation (also called unattended cremation or simple cremation) is a no-frills cremation service:
What's Included:
- ✓Collection of deceased from place of death
- ✓Simple coffin (typically pine or cardboard)
- ✓Cremation without mourners or service
- ✓Return of ashes to the family
- ✓All necessary paperwork and certifications
What's NOT Included:
- ✗No service at crematorium
- ✗No mourners can attend cremation
- ✗No hearse procession
- ✗No limousines
- ✗No flowers or order of service
Note: You can still hold a memorial service separately at a time and place of your choosing—with or without the ashes present.
Direct Cremation Costs: Provider Comparison
| Provider | Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Cremation | £995-£1,295 | England & Wales |
| Simplicity Cremations | £995-£1,195 | England & Wales |
| Co-op Funeralcare | £1,595-£1,895 | UK-wide |
| Dignity | £1,750-£1,950 | UK-wide |
| Local independent FD | £1,200-£1,800 | Varies |
Note: Prices correct as of 2025. Some providers charge more for certain areas (e.g., London, Scottish Highlands) or if cremation is over 25 miles from collection point.
💡 Pro Tip: National direct cremation companies (Pure, Simplicity) are usually cheapest, but some local funeral directors offer competitive direct cremation prices. Always compare.
Who Are the Main Providers?
Pure Cremation
UK's largest direct cremation provider. Online-focused with transparent pricing.
✓ Pros:
- • Very affordable (from £995)
- • Clear, upfront pricing
- • Good online reviews (4.9/5)
- • No hidden fees
✗ Cons:
- • Mostly online/phone—no physical offices
- • Limited personal interaction
- • Not available in Scotland
Simplicity Cremations
Another major direct cremation specialist with similar pricing to Pure.
✓ Pros:
- • Competitive pricing (from £995)
- • Simple, no-fuss service
- • Transparent process
✗ Cons:
- • Online-only service
- • Less well-known than Pure
Co-op Funeralcare
Traditional funeral director offering direct cremation alongside full services.
✓ Pros:
- • Established, trusted brand
- • Local branches for in-person support
- • UK-wide coverage including Scotland
✗ Cons:
- • More expensive (£1,595+)
- • May try to upsell traditional services
Local Independent Funeral Directors
Many local funeral directors now offer direct cremation as demand grows.
✓ Pros:
- • Personal, local service
- • Face-to-face meetings if wanted
- • Competitive pricing (£1,200-£1,800)
✗ Cons:
- • Prices vary widely
- • Not all offer direct cremation
- • May not be their specialty
Compare All Your Options
Get quotes from both specialist direct cremation providers and local funeral directors. See who offers the best price and service for your needs.
Get Free Quotes →Pros and Cons of Direct Cremation
✓ Advantages
- →Significantly cheaper: £2,000-£3,000 less than traditional funeral
- →No time pressure: Hold memorial whenever you're ready
- →Flexible memorial: Can be more personalized than crematorium service
- →Simple and dignified: No decisions about flowers, music, coffin upgrades
- →Eco-friendly: Simple coffin, no embalming, lower carbon footprint
✗ Disadvantages
- →No attendance: Family can't be present at cremation
- →May not feel "complete": Some families want traditional closure
- →Social expectations: Relatives may expect traditional funeral
- →Cultural/religious concerns: Not suitable for all faiths
- →Delayed memorial: Takes planning if you want one
How to Choose a Direct Cremation Provider
1. Compare Prices
Get written quotes from at least 3 providers. Check what's included and if there are distance charges.
2. Check Reviews
Look at Google reviews and Trustpilot. Direct cremation providers should have 4+ stars. Read recent reviews carefully.
3. Ask About Timeline
How long between booking and cremation? When will you receive the ashes? Most providers take 7-14 days.
4. Optional Extras
Some providers offer optional private viewing (£100-£200), upgraded coffin (£50-£150), or scattered ashes (£100-£250).
5. Customer Service
Can you reach them easily? Are they compassionate and clear in communication? Even with a simple service, good support matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I attend the cremation with direct cremation?
Standard direct cremation doesn't allow attendance. However, some providers offer "attended direct cremation" for an extra £200-£400, allowing up to 10 people to briefly attend.
How long does it take to get the ashes back?
Usually 7-14 days from the cremation. Ashes are typically returned by courier or can be collected from a local office.
What can I do with the ashes after direct cremation?
Keep them at home, scatter them in a meaningful place (with landowner permission), bury them in a cemetery or garden, or place them in a columbarium. You can also use them in memorial jewelry or art.
Is direct cremation right for everyone?
It depends on personal preferences, family expectations, and religious/cultural beliefs. It's best for those wanting simplicity and lower costs. If ritual and attendance matter, a traditional service may be better.
Compare Direct Cremation Providers Now
Get quotes from the UK's leading direct cremation providers and local funeral directors. Compare prices, services, and reviews to find the best option for your family.
Get Free Quotes →Related Guides
Understanding Direct Cremation
Complete guide to what direct cremation is and how it works.
Cheapest Funeral Options in the UK
All affordable funeral options explained and compared.
How to Choose a Funeral Director
What to look for, questions to ask, and red flags to avoid.
Burial vs Cremation: How to Decide
Pros, cons, costs, and considerations for each option.
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