Cremation Services in Leicester & Leicestershire
Personal, compassionate cremation arrangements guided by Samantha Ward and the Bay Tree Funerals team, supporting families across Blaby, Leicester and the wider Leicestershire area.
Guidance from Samantha
From your first call through to the day of the funeral, Samantha and the Bay Tree family team will guide you calmly and clearly.
Someone has died and you are considering cremation?
You do not need to know which crematorium to choose before calling us. We can explain the options, guide you through what happens next, and help you decide whether South Leicestershire Crematorium, Gilroes Crematorium, Great Glen Crematorium or another local crematorium feels right for your family.
Helping you arrange the right cremation service
A cremation service can be simple, traditional, religious, non-religious or completely personal. Some families want a full attended service at the crematorium. Others prefer a smaller service, a direct cremation, or a private cremation followed by a memorial gathering at a later date.
Bay Tree Funerals will talk you through each option gently, explain the practical steps, and help you make decisions at a pace that feels manageable.
Local crematorium guidance
The right crematorium may depend on where family members live, service availability, travel, accessibility, atmosphere, faith needs and the type of funeral you would like to arrange.
South Leicestershire Crematorium, Countesthorpe
A popular choice for families in Blaby, Whetstone, Countesthorpe, South Wigston, Narborough, Enderby and surrounding villages.
Gilroes Crematorium, Leicester
One of Leicester’s best-known crematorium and cemetery locations, often chosen by families across the city and wider Leicester area.
Great Glen Crematorium
A calm option for families in Oadby, Wigston, Great Glen, Market Harborough, Leicester and nearby villages.
Cremation choices for different families
Traditional attended cremation
A full crematorium service where family and friends gather together, with music, readings, flowers and personal tributes.
Simple attended cremation
A quieter cremation service with close family present, often chosen by families who want dignity without too much formality.
Direct cremation
An unattended cremation without a formal service at the crematorium, arranged with the same care and respect.
Celebration of life
A cremation service shaped around personality, stories, music, photographs and meaningful memories.
Religious cremation
We can help arrange a cremation service led by a minister, priest, faith leader or family-chosen officiant.
Humanist or celebrant-led cremation
A non-religious service focused on the person’s life, values, family, friendships and memories.
Practical help from the first call
Bay Tree Funerals can take care of the practical arrangements while keeping you fully informed and supported.
- Bringing your loved one into our care
- Care and preparation before the cremation
- Liaising with the crematorium
- Guidance with paperwork and registration
- Minister, celebrant or faith leader arrangements
- Music, readings, flowers and order of service
- Hearse, limousines and funeral vehicles
- Advice about ashes and memorial choices
- Clear, honest guidance about costs and third-party fees
Clear cremation costs
We will explain our funeral director charges and any third-party costs clearly before you make a decision. You can also view our funeral costs page for more information.
Personal care from Samantha Ward
Families often tell us that Samantha’s calm, personal approach helps them feel supported at a very difficult time.
At Bay Tree Funerals, you are not passed from person to person. Samantha and the family team will listen carefully, explain your options clearly and help you create a cremation service that feels right for your loved one.
Ashes and memorial options
After a cremation, families often need time to decide what feels right. We can guide you through the options gently.
Keeping ashes at home
Some families choose to keep ashes at home in an urn or keepsake.
Scattering ashes
A meaningful place can be chosen, subject to permission where needed.
Burial of ashes
Ashes may be buried in a cemetery, churchyard or family grave where permitted.
Keepsakes and jewellery
Some families choose memorial jewellery, ashes keepsakes or other lasting tributes.
Further guidance from Bay Tree Funerals
These pages may help you compare options and understand the next steps.
Cremation services across Leicester and Leicestershire
From our family-run funeral home in Blaby, we support families across Leicester, South Leicestershire and surrounding villages.
Cremation services FAQs
Which crematorium should we choose?
The best crematorium may depend on where your family lives, availability, travel, facilities, accessibility and personal preference. We can talk you through South Leicestershire Crematorium, Gilroes Crematorium, Great Glen Crematorium and other local options.
Can Bay Tree Funerals arrange South Leicestershire Crematorium?
Yes. We regularly support families who choose South Leicestershire Crematorium, Countesthorpe, especially families in Blaby, Whetstone, Countesthorpe, South Wigston, Narborough and nearby villages.
Can Bay Tree Funerals arrange Gilroes Crematorium?
Yes. We can help families arrange cremation services at Gilroes Crematorium in Leicester, including attended services, personal tributes and guidance with practical arrangements.
Can Bay Tree Funerals arrange Great Glen Crematorium?
Yes. We can support families choosing Great Glen Crematorium and explain the options available for cremation services, direct cremation, celebration of life services and personal farewells.
What is the difference between attended cremation and direct cremation?
An attended cremation includes a formal service where family and friends can gather. A direct cremation is unattended, meaning there is no formal service at the crematorium, although families may hold a memorial or celebration of life separately.
Can we have music at a cremation service?
Yes. Most cremation services can include music, readings, poems and personal tributes. We will help you understand what is possible at the crematorium you choose.
Can we have a religious cremation service?
Yes. A cremation service can be religious, non-religious, humanist or celebrant-led. We can help arrange a minister, priest, celebrant or faith leader where required.
How quickly can a cremation be arranged?
This depends on paperwork, registration, crematorium availability and your family’s wishes. We will explain the likely timescales clearly when we speak with you.
Do we need to visit the funeral home first?
No. You can call us first and we will guide you. Many families then choose to come into our funeral home in Blaby for an appointment, but we can explain the first steps over the phone.
What happens to the ashes after cremation?
Ashes can usually be returned to the family, scattered, buried, placed in a memorial area, kept at home or used in keepsakes. We can guide you through the choices.
Can we keep the cremation simple?
Yes. A cremation service can be kept simple and dignified. We will never pressure you into unnecessary extras.
Is Bay Tree Funerals available out of hours?
Yes. Bay Tree Funerals is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 0116 278 8868 for immediate guidance.
Kind words from local families
Families across Leicester and Leicestershire have kindly shared their experiences of the care and support they received from Samantha and the Bay Tree Funerals team.
Speak to Bay Tree Funerals about cremation services
If you are unsure which crematorium to choose, what happens next, or what type of cremation service is right for your family, please call us. Samantha and the Bay Tree team will guide you calmly and clearly.