Two very different chapels, a spacious garden of remembrance and a choice of ways to say goodbye.
Croydon Crematorium sits within the landscaped grounds of Mitcham Road Cemetery, where tree-lined paths, flowerbeds and gardens create a sense of space away from the surrounding roads.
What makes Croydon particularly useful is the choice between two chapels. The West Chapel has a traditional feel, with a vaulted ceiling and wooden pews. The East Chapel is more contemporary and has room for a larger gathering.
Both chapels welcome religious and non-religious services. Neither is consecrated or has permanent religious symbols, so the ceremony can be shaped around the person who has died.
They offer quite different atmospheres. The photographs help you see the distinction before deciding which feels more appropriate.
Brick arches, a high vaulted ceiling and rows of wooden pews give the West Chapel a more traditional atmosphere. It can be a lovely setting for a smaller gathering, whether the service is religious or secular.
The coffin can descend from view, or remain in place if preferred.
The East Chapel is larger, with upholstered seating, clean architectural lines and a more contemporary interior. It is particularly useful when more people are expected to attend.
Curtains can be drawn fully or partially around the coffin, or left open.
The coffin rests on a raised platform called the catafalque. In the West Chapel, it can descend from view at the committal or remain where it is.
In the East Chapel, curtains can be drawn to partly or fully obscure the coffin, or left open.
Services are arranged in timed slots, with additional time available for longer ceremonies or larger gatherings. We can explain the options at Croydon and help you decide what best suits the funeral.
Music, words, memories and a ceremony that reflects the life of the person who has died.
Explore tailored funerals →More time in the chapel can be arranged for longer readings, additional music or a larger gathering.
Hold the main funeral at a church or a more personal venue, followed by a shorter committal at Croydon.
Explore alternative venues →Croydon Crematorium uses Obitus for music, visual tributes and livestreaming. Both chapels have facilities for recorded music, and photographs or a film can be part of the ceremony.
Explore music, livestreaming & visual tributes →
The crematorium is in Mitcham Road Cemetery in Croydon, with the chapels close to the main car park. There are two vehicle entrances, from Mitcham Road and Thornton Road.
Both the Mitcham Road and Thornton Road entrances lead towards the car park and chapels. Follow the signs within the grounds.
There is a large car park, accessible from either entrance. Allow time to reach the chapels once you arrive, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the grounds.
Therapia Lane tram stop is within walking distance of the cemetery. If travelling to East Croydon railway station, you can connect with a tram from there.
Bus routes serve Mitcham Road and the surrounding area. For current connections, use the TfL Journey Planner.
Mitcham Road Cemetery has accessible grounds. For detailed access information for a particular chapel or entrance, check Croydon Council's venue information.
The grounds are usually open from 9am to 7pm between April and September, and from 9am to 5pm between October and March. Check current times before visiting.
Mitcham Road Cemetery
Mitcham Road, Croydon
CR9 3AT
There are a few differences between Croydon's chapels worth knowing before choosing where to hold the funeral.
The West Chapel is more traditional, with wooden pews and seating for 80. The East Chapel has a contemporary interior with upholstered seating for 126.
Services take place in timed slots, allowing for people to enter and leave the chapel. Additional time can be arranged for a longer ceremony. The exact service length should be confirmed as part of the funeral arrangements.
No. In the West Chapel the coffin can remain in place rather than descend; in the East Chapel the curtains can remain open instead of being drawn.
Yes. The Obitus system supports recorded music, visual tributes and photographs, and live music can also be included where suitable.
Yes. Croydon offers livestreaming through Obitus so people who cannot attend can watch remotely.
No. Both chapels can be used for religious, spiritual or non-religious funeral ceremonies.
Yes. There is a large car park reached from either the Mitcham Road or Thornton Road entrance.
Whether you're drawn to the traditional West Chapel or the larger East Chapel, we can help you work out a funeral that reflects the person you're remembering.
Still exploring? You don't have to choose the nearest crematorium.
Explore our London crematoria directory →