What is a direct cremation?
You may have seen it advertised on television, heard it on the radio, or had a leaflet through your door. Direct cremation has become a popular choice for families in Northamptonshire and across the country, and it is easy to understand why.
A direct cremation is an unattended cremation. Your loved one is cared for and cremated at the local crematorium, and their ashes are returned to you. There is no formal service at the crematorium for family and friends to attend.
That is exactly what many families want. A straightforward, dignified cremation, without the pressure and formality of organising a traditional funeral.
What surprises many people is that local, independent funeral directors like Hollowells in Northampton have always offered this service. You do not have to go to a national provider. And when you choose a local team, there are real advantages for you and for your loved one.
The freedom to say goodbye your way
One of the most important things a direct cremation gives families is freedom.
Without a formal service to plan, there is no fixed format to follow. Families can choose to say goodbye in a way that genuinely reflects the person they have lost – in their own time, and in a place that means something.
Some families gather at home, sharing food and stories in familiar surroundings. Others choose a favourite restaurant, a local pub, or a venue their loved one knew and loved. Some hold a quiet walk somewhere special before scattering the ashes. Others plan a celebration of life at a later date, when everyone is ready.
Whatever feels right. No pressure. No template.
Choose what feels right for you
At Hollowells, we offer two direct cremation options. Both are personal, dignified, and handled with care by our local, experienced team.
The Pearl: an unattended Direct Cremation – from £1,595
A straightforward, caring cremation at our local crematorium. Your loved one is cared for locally, and the ashes are returned to you. No service at the crematorium – giving families complete freedom to say goodbye in their own way, in their own time.
The Silver: an un attended Direct Cremation with a Serenity Suite Service – from £1,995
Everything included in the Unattended Direct Cremation opposite, plus a meaningful, personal service for up to 30 guests at our Serenity Suite before the direct cremation. The Serenity Suite is unique to Hollowells in Northampton.
Why choose Hollowells?
National providers make direct cremation look simple. It can be – but there are real differences when you choose a local, independent team.
Your loved one stays near to home
Cared for locally in Northampton, cremated at the local crematorium. Never transported across the country.
A team you can actually speak to
Face-to-face support, available 24 hours a day. We are here to guide you through every step, as much or as little as you need.
We are here after the cremation too
Our care does not end when the cremation does. We will connect you with local and national bereavement support, and we remain here for you.
Serving families in Northampton, Wellingborough, Kettering, Daventry, Towcester, Rushden and the surrounding area.
Also from Hollowells…
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about direct cremation
A traditional funeral typically includes a formal service at a crematorium or church, with family and friends attending on the day of the cremation. A direct cremation is different – the cremation takes place without a service at the crematorium, and the ashes are returned to you. This gives families complete freedom to mark the occasion in their own way, at a time and place that suits them, with no fixed format to follow.
No. Many people assume that direct cremation is only available through the national companies they have seen advertised on television, but this is not the case. Hollowells has offered direct cremation in Northampton for many years. Choosing a local, independent funeral director means your loved one stays near home, the cremation takes place at the local crematorium, and you have a real local team to support you throughout.
Yes – and this is one of the biggest advantages of direct cremation. Because the cremation is separate from any gathering, families are free to arrange a service in whatever way feels right for them. Some hold a celebration of life at home, a favourite pub or restaurant, or an outdoor location that meant something to their loved one. Others choose a formal service at our Serenity Suite at Hollowells, before the cremation takes place. There is no obligation to follow any particular format.
Once the cremation has taken place at the local crematorium, your loved one’s ashes are returned to you by our team. You can then choose to keep them, scatter them somewhere meaningful, bury them, or make other arrangements entirely, in your own time, with no pressure.
At Hollowells, our unattended direct cremation starts from £1,595, and our direct cremation with Serenity Suite service starts from £1,995. Both prices include all crematorium fees. There are no hidden costs. If you would like a full breakdown, please call us on 01604 792222 or send us a message and we will be happy to talk it through.
We serve families in Northampton and the surrounding area, including Wellingborough, Daventry, Kettering, Towcester, Rushden and nearby towns and villages. If you are unsure whether we cover your area, please call us and we will confirm.
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.
