Durham Crematorium, Garden of Remembrance and Memorial Garden

Durham's Crematorium was opened in August 1960 and is owned and operated by a Joint Committee on behalf of Durham County Council and Spennymoor Town Council. The Crematorium is situated just outside Durham on South Road (A177 Just off A167). The entrance to the Crematorium is clearly signposted, and the driveway through landscaped grounds leads to car parking adjacent to the main buildings.

The Chapel, designed by J P Chaplin, A.R.I.B.A. is hexagonal in shape and has large windows, giving panoramic views over the meadowland surrounding the building and of the distant woodland surrounding the site. The Chapel has seating for approximately 60 people, with standing room for a further 50. Service times are every hour and half hour, allowing some 20 minutes for each service and giving time for the Chapel to be tidied between each funeral.

Services can be tailored to individual requirements, with the aid of the Wesley Music System which provides a highly specialized music service and a modern electronic organ and an organist are available by arrangement. The Registrar or any member of the Crematorium staff, will be pleased to offer advice on any matter relating to the crematorium or the services provided.

The building is wheelchair accessible and there is a disabled toilet and also a wheelchair available on site. An induction loop system for the hard of hearing is fitted in the chapel.

A Book of Remembrance is available, which provides a permanent form of memorial. A walled Memorial Garden was officially opened in November 2002 and provides a peaceful environment within the Garden of Remembrance, for quiet contemplation. This garden features a pond complete with bronze cranes and four gentle fountains. The walled garden is paved and level, offering easy access, with a dedicated car park nearby. Memorial Vase Blocks and Wall Plaques are available for a renewable period of ten years. Full details of the Book of Remembrance and Memorial Plaques are available from the Crematorium Office.

Cremated remains can be scattered on the meadowland that lies behind the main building.

May 2009 Update

The New Memorial Garden, Phase II, has now been officially opened and plaques will be available to purchase in the autumn. Please contact the Crematorium office for further details.

Important Notice regarding disembursement fees

Durham Crematorium has been aware that for some months, a number of Funeral Directors have been requesting the payment of disbursements, which include Cremation Fees, Medical Fees, Church Fees and Press notices, in advance of a Cremation Service taking place.

The Crematorium wishes to make it clear that at no time are Funeral Directors required to pay Fees in advance and that the policy of invoicing, following a Cremation Service, continues as it has done for many years.

Funeral Directors settle their invoices in due course

John Marr, the Chair of the Joint Committee, says "All customers should challenge Funeral Directors regarding advanced charges, if this is the reason stated for requiring fees in advance".

Opening Hours - Chapel and Garden of Remembrance

The Chapel and Book of Remembrance are open to visitors on every day of the year.

Opening Hours - Office Enquiries

Monday to Friday 9.00am – 4.30pm
The office is closed weekends and Bank Holidays

Postal Address

The Superintendent & Registrar,
Central Durham Crematorium Joint Committee
Durham Crematorium
South Road
Durham
DH1 3TQ