You don't have to hold a funeral in a crematorium or cemetery chapel, or in a place of worship. We have come across many different unique and beautiful venues that are available to host a funeral ceremony.
An alternative venue can make life easier — enabling you to hold the ceremony and the wake in a single location — and allow additional time and a more relaxed atmosphere than a traditional funeral venue.
If you are arranging a funeral with Poppy's, we can advise you on suitable venues and make all the bookings for you. Contact us to find out more.
West and South West London
Linden House (pictured below) is set on the riverfront in Hammersmith. It's an attractive and elegant four-storey building, dating back to at least the 17th century. It is used as a sailing and rowing clubhouse.
Linden House offers a range of different-sized, bright and airy rooms in which you could hold a funeral ceremony. You can also use the front terrace which looks out onto the river. They can also cater for a reception after the ceremony.
Nearest crematoria: Mortlake; West London; Putney Vale.
London Rowing Club(pictured below) has been resident in this Victorian building for over 130 years. It sits on the Putney Embankment with views of the Thames.
London Rowing Club offers several different-sized, bright and airy rooms, decorated with vintage rowing memorabilia, for funeral ceremonies. A balcony area looks out onto the river. They can also cater for a reception after the ceremony.
Nearest crematoria: Mortlake; South London (Rowan Road); Putney Vale; Lambeth; West Norwood.
Nearest cemeteries: Putney Vale; East Sheen; North Sheen; Richmond; Wandsworth (Magdalen Road); Lambeth & Streatham.
Pembroke Lodge (pictured below) is a Grade II listed Georgian mansion, found within the beautiful surroundings of London's Richmond Park.
Pembroke Lodge offers a choice of two suites, with stunning views of the park, for funeral ceremonies and receptions, and can cater for 15-200 people.
Nearest crematoria: Mortlake; Putney Vale; Lambeth; Kingston; North East Surrey.
Nearest cemeteries: East Sheen; North Sheen; Richmond; Putney Vale; Wandsworth (Magdalen Rd); Lambeth & Streatham.
Le Gothique(pictured below)on Wandsworth Common has a restaurant, bar and gardens, all within the Royal Victoria Patriotic Building, with its striking gothic turrets and spires.
Le Gothique caters for funeral receptions, as well as offering spaces for funeral ceremonies, which include a beautifully decorated and heated marquee within the inner gardens.
Nearest crematoria: Putney Vale; Mortlake; Lambeth; West Norwood; South London (Rowan Road).
Nearest cemeteries: Putney Vale; Wandsworth (Magdalen Road); Lambeth & Streatham; Streatham Park; London Road; Gap Road Cemetery.
South East London
Asylum Chapel(pictured below)is a unique Grade II listed building in Peckham. It's a historic distressed chapel, dating from 1826, with crumbling paintwork and stunning stained-glass windows.
The venue can host up to 120 people, and can recommend external caterers if you also want to use it for a wake or reception after the funeral.
Nearest crematoria: West Norwood; Honor Oak; Hither Green.
Round Chapel(pictured below) is a Grade II listed former non-conformist chapel in Hackney. The venue is now managed by Hackney Historic Buildings Trust and hosts many events and gatherings, including funeral ceremonies.
Nearest crematoria: East London; City of London; Manor Park.
Nearest cemeteries: East London; City of London; Manor Park.
The Art Pavilion(pictured below) within Mile End Park is a spacious gallery space that can also be booked for funeral ceremonies and receptions.
The building is buried in a grass bank and has a glass frontage that overlooks a small lake.
Nearest crematoria: East London; City of London; Manor Park.
Nearest cemeteries: East London; City of London; Manor Park.
North London
Lauderdale House (pictured below) is a historic house and arts venue situated within Waterlow Park, Highgate. There are three function rooms available which can be hired for funeral ceremonies, all with views of the surrounding park.
Catering is also available in-house for a funeral reception or wake after the ceremony.
Nearest crematoria: Islington; Golders Green; St Marylebone; Hendon.
Nearest cemeteries: Highgate; Islington; Hoop Lane (Golders Green); East Finchley (St Marylebone); Hendon.
Burgh House(pictured below) is a Grade I listed Queen Anne house, in the heart of Hampstead village, near Hampstead Heath. The venue is managed by a self-funding charity and hosts a public art collection.
The venue offers a choice of historic rooms, holding 15-70 people, which can be used for private events, including funeral ceremonies. In-house catering is also available.
Nearest crematoria: Golders Green; St Marylebone; West London; Hendon; Islington.
Nearest cemeteries: Highgate; Islington; Hoop Lane (Golders Green); East Finchley (St Marylebone); Hendon.
OmVed Gardens(pictured below)is a garden, exhibition and educational space in north London, with a focus on regenerating the natural environment. It is also available to hire as a venue for funeral ceremonies and receptions.
Nearest crematoria: Islington; Golders Green; St Marylebone.
Nearest cemeteries: Highgate; Islington; Hoop Lane (Golders Green); East Finchley (St Marylebone).
Outside the M25
Natural burial grounds on the outskirts of London will usually have a service hall that you can hire for a ceremony. These are usually in beautiful surroundings and allow you to hire them for longer than the usual crematorium time slot.
If you are arranging a funeral with Poppy's, we can advise you on suitable venues and make all the bookings for you. Contact us to find out more.
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