What is included?
The Pearl: Unattended Direct Cremation From £1,595
Included as standard:
- Collection and care of your loved one locally, by private ambulance within 15 miles of our Beech Avenue office
- All advice, administration and documentation
- An eco-friendly cardboard coffin
- Transportation of the deceased to the crematorium
- Cremation at a local Northamptonshire crematorium
- Ashes returned to you in a simple container
- Guidance and support from our experienced local team throughout
- Signposting to local and national bereavement support services after the cremation
Optional upgrades:
- Wood or alternative coffin (prices on request – please call us to discuss)
Prices correct as of October 2026. Third-party crematorium fees are included in the price shown. Collection of the deceased beyond 15 miles may incur an additional charge – please call us to confirm. All upgrades and additional services are chargeable.
What is an unattended direct cremation?
An unattended direct cremation means there is no formal service at the crematorium for family and friends to attend. The cremation itself takes place at a local Northamptonshire crematorium, cared for throughout by our team – but without a gathering at the crematorium on the day.
This is not the same as doing nothing. Many families find that separating the cremation from the farewell gives them more freedom, not less. The cremation is taken care of with full dignity and care. And the farewell – how, when, and where you mark the occasion – is entirely up to you.
Say goodbye your way
Without a formal service to plan, families are free to honour their loved one in whatever way feels right for them.
Some gather at home, sharing food and stories in familiar surroundings. Others choose a favourite restaurant, a local pub, or a venue that meant something to their loved one. Some take a quiet walk somewhere special and scatter the ashes. Others plan a celebration of life at a later date, when everyone is ready and the occasion can be done the way it deserves.
There is no format to follow. No order of service. Just the people who mattered, doing what feels right.
How it works
Why choose Hollowells for a direct cremation?
Your loved one stays near home: From the moment they come into our care to the cremation itself, everything happens locally in Northamptonshire. They are never transported across the country.
A team you can actually speak to: We are a local, independent family funeral director. You will speak to real people who know you, not a national call centre. We are available 24 hours a day.
Ashes returned locally: Because the cremation takes place at a local Northamptonshire crematorium, the ashes are returned to you by our team – no logistics across the country, no unnecessary waiting.
We are here after, too: Our care does not end when the cremation does. We can help connect you with bereavement support services locally and nationally, and we remain here for you whenever you need us.
Serving families in Northampton, Wellingborough, Kettering, Daventry, Towcester, Rushden and the surrounding area.
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Frequently asked questions
Common questions about our Pearl direct cremation package.
Yes. If you would like to spend time with your loved one before the cremation takes place, please let us know when you call and we will make the necessary arrangements. We are here to support you in whatever way feels right.
The Pearl and Silver direct cremation includes an eco-friendly cardboard coffin as standard. If you would prefer a wood coffin or an alternative, we offer a range of upgrades. Please call us on 01604 792222 and we will talk you through the options and prices.
Once your loved one comes into our care at our Northampton funeral home, we handle all the paperwork, documentation and coordination with the crematorium. The full process typically takes around two to three weeks, though this can vary depending on crematorium availability and the documentation required. We will keep you informed throughout.
Your loved one’s ashes will be returned to you by our team in a simple container. Because everything takes place locally, there is no cross-country transportation – we return the ashes to you directly.
That is entirely your choice, and there is no rush. Many families keep the ashes at home, scatter them somewhere meaningful, or bury them in a garden or memorial site. Others use a portion of the ashes to have a piece of memorial jewellery made, or plant a tree. We can offer guidance on the options available if you would like to talk it through.
Yes. You can arrange the Pearl direct cremation in advance as a pre-paid funeral plan with Hollowells. This means everything is organised and paid for at today’s prices, removing the burden from your family at a difficult time. Ask us for more information when you call.
We are here to help
Whether you are arranging a direct cremation now, exploring your options, or planning ahead, our team is ready to talk. There is no pressure and no obligation.
We’re available 24/7 for immediate assistance.
