Bear Road, Brighton, Sussex, BN2 4DZ
Rich in heritage, Downs Crematorium and Memorial Grounds has served the local community for generations. Set within nearly 30 acres of historic grounds, our three beautiful chapels support both burial and cremation services. Conservation areas, mature trees, water features and rose beds create a peaceful spaces to gather in remembrance throughout the year.
Our main chapel at Downs Crematorium is a beautiful brick building, with high ceilings and elegant arches. A traditional cremation chapel, it seats up to 80 guests on wooden pews. There is a screen to display photos, plus a music system to play pre-recorded music of your choice. There is space for singers and musicians too. Our smaller family chapel is available for intimate funeral services of up to 24 family and friends. A historic burial chapel is also available for special ceremonies.
If you need support to arrange a cremation in Brighton, or nearby areas such as Hove, Lewes or Worthing, we work with local funeral directors, faith leaders and celebrants across East Sussex. The Downs Crematorium in Brighton offers two chapels — the 80-seat main chapel and the smaller 24-seat family chapel — both equipped with a music system, screens for visual tributes and webcasting for those joining remotely. A waiting room with refreshments, hearing loop and fully accessible facilities including baby changing are also available, with additional parking on site. If you'd like to arrange a tour, please call us.
We offer different ways to create a lasting tribute within our memorial grounds.
Our memorial specialists are here to help you find something that truly reflects your loved one, from a memorial garden to a plaque or dedication in our Book of Remembrance.
Contact us to arrange a tour and talk through the options.
If you would like to talk about planning a service or memorial, please call us to arrange an appointment. We welcome every visitor.
Crematorium Office Opening Hours
Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm
Book of Remembrance & Grounds Opening Hours
Monday-Sunday: 9am-5pm
Cremation services at The Downs Crematorium & Cemetery
We offer attended and unattended cremation services at The Downs Crematorium & Cemetery
An attended cremation
Where family and friends come together for a funeral or memorial service in our chapel. You can personalise the service with music, readings and tributes. Loved ones will be able to spend a few moments with the coffin before leaving the chapel.
An attended direct cremation
This option enables families to attend the crematorium to see the coffin in the chapel. Although there is no funeral or memorial service, you can choose the music that is playing and will be able to spend a few moments with the coffin.
An unattended, direct cremation
A direct cremation means there is no funeral or memorial service in the chapel, and no mourners in attendance.
For more information about personalising a service, speak to your funeral director, or contact us.
All cremation fees at The Downs Crematorium & Cemetery include:
• The use of our chapel
• A single tribute photo displayed on screen throughout the service (not available for attended direct cremations)
• The use of our state-of-the-art media system to play music of your choice
• All services relating to the administration and registration of the cremation, in line with statutory regulation
• Certificate of cremation
• Provision of a container for the ashes
• The option to witness the scattering of the ashes within our Gardens of Remembrance, or preparation of the ashes for collection
Rated 4.91 / 5 based on 22 reviews.
As Funeral Directors Teresa & Michelle from Mother & Daughter Funeral Directors find the team at the Downs Crematorium extremely professional and friendly - nothing is ever too much trouble. They are always supportive to us and the families we look after, making sure everything runs smoothly. Their care, compassion, and attention to detail are truly a credit to them. Thank you to all he team.
Dan Heale, 30 October 2025
Beautiful cemetery where my twin sister Susan is buried in 1963
Kim HOPKINS, 22 October 2025
We have been working with the Downs Crematorium and Brighton & Preston Cemetery for five generations — over 120 years as Brighton & Hove’s oldest independent family funeral directors — and it’s always such a pleasure.
The team there are absolutely fantastic. Andrea, Daisy, Christine, Rob, Steve and Daniel are all so helpful, friendly and eager to make sure everything goes smoothly. Nothing is ever too much trouble, and their positive energy and “can-do” attitude make such a difference on the day.
It’s clear they really care about what they do and about the families they help. Working with people like this makes everything that bit easier, and we couldn’t ask for better colleagues in the work we do.
A big thank you to everyone at Downs Crematorium and Brighton & Preston Cemetery — you’re a credit to the community!
— Bungard Funeral Directors,
Richard Whittle, 16 October 2025