When most of us think of funeral venues we think of the traditional funeral homes, crematoriums, and places of worship like churches, mosques, temples or synagogues. But did you know that you can hold a funeral or wake in almost any venue in the UK? From serene gardens in Cornwall to iconic football clubs, we’ve put together a list of unique alternative funeral venues across the UK for those who prefer a non-traditional send off.  

Tips for hosting your funeral reception at an alternative venue: 

1. Most venues would be happy to host a funeral reception or wake - just ask. If a venue offers a space for other events like weddings or memorials they will likely offer their space for funerals and wakes as well.  

2. Locate the nearest cemetery or crematorium to the venue so you’re sure that transportation to and from the venue will be hassle free for attendees.  

3. Ask your funeral director for recommendations and guidance for how to go about hosting your funeral at an alternative venue. They will be able to help you book the priest or celebrant for the day as well as sort out transportation logistics.  

4. Bear in mind some venues may not be available during the winter months or certain seasons.  

5. Most venues will have on-site catering packages and they will charge per head.  

6. Make sure everyone knows how to get there! Send attendees an email or message with the venue details, how to get there, whether transport is provided and parking information.  

Edinburgh 

Mansion House Edinburgh Zoo  

Mansion House is a stunning property set in the centre of Edinburgh Zoo, making it the perfect venue to host a funeral for a loved one who appreciated a bit of whimsy in life. This historic mansion can host between 10-200 attendees with on-site catering and is available for hire all year round.  

Check out their website and booking information here.   

Nearby: Corstorphine Hill Cemetery, Warriston Cemetery & Crematorium  

© This image was taken from the Geograph project collection. See this photograph's page on the Geograph website for the photographer's contact details. The copyright on this image is owned by Mike Pennington and is licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 license.

Cornwall 

The Lost Gardens of Heligan 

If you are a fan of secret gardens, forbidden forests and hidden woods then consider holding your wake at the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall. These mysterious regal gardens were originally cultivated by the Tremayne family and then forgotten for decades. The gardens make for an idyllic remembrance walk or picnic venue for friends and family.  

You will need to call or email ahead to plan your visit and venue hire. For more information visit their website. 

Nearby: Trewinny Cemetery, Mevagissey Cemetery.  

© This image was taken from the Geograph project collection. See this photograph's page on the Geograph website for the photographer's contact details. The copyright on this image is owned by Ian Knox and is licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 license.

York 

York Art Gallery/York Castle Museum 

The York Museums Trust offers a number of beautiful venues for funerals, wakes and memorials including the Hospitium, which is located in York Museum Gardens, the York Castle Museum, York Art Gallery and Yorkshire Museum. The event planners are experienced in arranging funerals and work closely with local funeral directors and celebrants. On-site catering packages are available at flexible price points.  

Learn more about holding a funeral at York venues here. 

Nearby: York Cemetery 

© This image was taken from the Geograph project collection. See this photograph's page on the Geograph website for the photographer's contact details. The copyright on this image is owned by Philip Halling and is licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 license.

Norwich 

Greenacres Colney Cemeteries & Ceremonial Parks 

Greenacres Colney is an expansive natural cemetery and ceremonial parks complex in Norwich where families can celebrate their loved one’s life amidst the serenity of nature. A perfect venue for those who want a natural burial, Greenacres Colney offers options for every budget. The on-site services on offer include: memorial service, cremation service, burial service followed by a traditional burial, simple graveside service, plus scattering or interment of ashes.  

Visit their website here for a full list of services and prices.

© Hannah Duffy 2024 

Birmingham 

Aston Villa Football Club 

Are you football mad? Consider hosting your funeral at an iconic football stadium, like Villa Park in Birmingham. Most sports stadiums offer their venues for hire for events and often offer on-site catering and event planning services as well. For football fans stadiums are often the setting of their happiest and most exciting memories, making them a fun and meaningful place to celebrate life.  

Visit the Villa Park website here.

Nearby: Witton Cemetery, Key Hill Cemetery, Brookfields Cemetery, Handsworth Cemetery, Oscott Cemetery  

© This image was taken from the Geograph project collection. See this photograph's page on the Geograph website for the photographer's contact details. The copyright on this image is owned by Ian Rob and is licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 license.

Cardiff 

National Museum Cardiff 

Situated right in the Cardiff city centre, the National Museum Cardiff offers halls, gallery spaces and private rooms for venue hire, including for funerals and memorials. The museum has on-site catering making your event fuss-free. If the person whose life you are celebrating loved art and all things beautiful, then the National Museum Cardiff is a charming choice for their funeral reception.  

Visit their website here for venue hire details. 

Nearby: Cathays Cemetery, Llandaff Cemetery, Cardiff Jewish Cemetery  

© This image was originally posted to Flickr by Iridescenti at https://flickr.com/photos/156154181@N07/49363914757. Licensed under the terms of the cc-by-sa-2.0.

Cambridgeshire & Shropshire  

Sacred Stones 

Sacred Stones is a truly one-of-a-kind funeral venue and eternal resting place situated in the English countryside. The Sacred Stones “barrows” are an ancient British tradition built with natural stone that offer a tranquil space for grieving families. Here you can opt for on-site burial or cremation, as well as a place to scatter ashes.  

Sacred Stones has 2 locations in Cambridgeshire and Shropshire. 

© 2024 Virtual Shropshire Ltd

Sheffield 

Sheffield & Tinsley Canal Boat Ride  

Taking a canal boat ride with friends and family can be a quirky and memorable way to celebrate a loved one’s life! Not only would a boat ride funeral be unique, it would also be a wonderful way for loved ones to spend time together making this a funeral to remember.  

The A&G Passenger Boats Ltd company that provides boat cruises along the Sheffield & Tinsley Canal offers catered cruises at flexible budgets, and can create a bespoke experience for you as well.  

Visit their website here. 

Nearby: Tinsley Park Cemetery, Attercliffe Cemetery, Darnall Cemetery, Burngreave Cemetery 

There is truly no limit to where you can hold a beautiful funeral that is meaningful to you and your loved ones. Alternative venues are also the perfect choice if you wish to hold a living funeral for yourself! Learn more about throwing yourself a living funeral here.

The listed venues above are simply suggestions and we encourage you to research and find unique funeral venues near you. Remember to keep our helpful tips in mind when booking your venue.  

Some more articles you may find helpful: 

Creative Ways To Scatter Ashes