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.

50 Year Anniversary Celebrations

Durham Crematorium will celebrate 50 years of serving the Bereaved of the community in August 2010. It is proposed to hold two Memorial Services at the Crematorium, the first on Saturday 7th August 2010 at 11am, and the second on Sunday 8th August 2010 at 3pm. These arrangements are subject to confirmation, but attendance at the Memorial Services will be by TICKET ONLY, and Tickets confirming the time and any other details will be sent to the applicant as soon as possible, but not later than two weeks before the events. Please use the following link for further information:

Durham Crematorium 50th Anniversary (1 page, 13kb)

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

Your selected Funeral Director may ask you for a Deposit or Sum of money to cover Fees and Charges made by them on your behalf, which is a common practice as often these Fees can exceed £1,000.00.

These Disbursements can include the Cremation Fee, Church Fees, cheques for Newspaper Notices etc.

Durham Crematorium invoices Funeral Directors for services as is usual business practice, and does not ask for Cremation Fees in advance.

If you have any concerns in this regard, please contact the Registrar either by telephone or email.

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