A Victorian chapel with a magnificent stained-glass window, set within the established grounds of Beckenham Cemetery.
Beckenham Crematorium occupies a striking Victorian chapel at the heart of a cemetery established in 1876.
The larger of the cemetery's two original chapels was destroyed during the Second World War. The surviving chapel was adapted for cremation services and the crematorium opened in 1956.
Today, its vaulted ceiling and stained-glass window form an impressive setting for religious, spiritual and non-religious funerals. Beyond the chapel, the cemetery's mature trees, winding paths and gardens give the place a very different character from a purpose-built modern crematorium.
Facilities and capacity checked against the crematorium's official information →
There is one chapel at Beckenham Crematorium, with seating for approximately 80 people and additional standing space for larger congregations.
Inside, a high vaulted ceiling draws the eye towards the large stained-glass window at the front. The chapel has pale walls, wooden chairs with blue upholstered seats, decorative chandeliers and screens for displaying photographs and visual tributes.
The coffin is placed on the catafalque at the front of the chapel. The ceremony can be led by a minister, another faith leader, a celebrant or someone close to the person who has died.
Beckenham is a particularly characterful choice for anyone drawn to historic architecture, with the flexibility to arrange a traditional or contemporary ceremony.
The chapel's large stained-glass window is one of its most memorable features, framed by the high vaulted roof and the symmetry of the room.
It has a recognisably Victorian character, but the flexible seating and modern audiovisual facilities make it suitable for different styles of funeral.
The chapel can accommodate live singers or musicians, recorded music, readings and visual tributes, according to the arrangements agreed for the service.
Beckenham Crematorium sits within Beckenham Cemetery, established in the Victorian era and extending across approximately 44 acres next to South Norwood Country Park.
The cemetery's mature trees and older gravestones surround the chapel. The Gardens of Remembrance include planted borders and a waterfall, offering somewhere to walk or spend a little time after the funeral.
The crematorium offers a range of ways to remember someone, including entries in the Book of Remembrance and memorials in the grounds. These are separate choices, and the crematorium can explain what is currently available.
Beckenham offers different ways of saying goodbye, from a longer ceremony in the chapel to a shorter early-morning funeral.
From caring for the person who has died to arranging the coffin, transport and crematorium, we’ll look after the practical details. We’ll also help you plan a religious or non-religious ceremony with your chosen minister, faith leader or celebrant.
Explore tailored funerals →We offer a shorter attended funeral here for people who would like time to say goodbye without a more elaborate ceremony. The early-morning service is subject to the crematorium's availability.
Explore simple morning funerals →You can hold the funeral at a different venue, with the coffin present, and arrange the cremation at Beckenham afterwards or on another day. The cremation can be attended or unattended.
Explore alternative venues →The chapel has a music system, screens for photographs and visual tributes, and webcasting facilities. We can help arrange the music and images you would like to include.
Music, webcasts and visual tributes →Beckenham Crematorium & Cemetery
Elmers End Road
Beckenham BR3 4TD
Birkbeck and Elmers End are the nearest stations. Elmers End is also served by London Trams.
TfL Journey Planner →Routes 354 and 356 stop on Elmers End Road at Beckenham Crematorium.
There is on-site parking, including accessible spaces. The chapel has a hearing loop, accessible toilets, a waiting room and baby-changing facilities.
The crematorium is within a large cemetery, so give yourself enough time to enter the grounds, park and walk to the chapel before the service begins.
Get directions →Elmers End Road, Beckenham BR3 4TD
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Some useful details to know when considering a funeral here.
The chapel seats approximately 80 people, with additional standing space for larger gatherings.
No, Beckenham Crematorium has one chapel used for attended cremation services.
Standard funeral service slots are 60 minutes, with shorter early-morning options also offered.
Yes, the chapel welcomes religious, spiritual and non-religious ceremonies.
Yes, the chapel has a music system and screens for photographs and visual tributes.
Yes, webcasting is available, subject to the crematorium's arrangements.
Yes, Poetic Endings offers a Simple Morning Funeral at Beckenham, subject to service-time availability.
Yes, the crematorium lists accessible parking, accessible toilets and a hearing loop among its facilities.
Yes, you do not need to live in Beckenham or Bromley to choose this crematorium.
Beckenham Cemetery has burial plots as well as cremation facilities, and burial availability should be checked with the cemetery.
Whether you're considering Beckenham Crematorium or still looking at other places, Poetic Endings can help you arrange a funeral that feels right for the person who has died.
Still exploring? You don't have to choose the nearest crematorium.
Explore our London crematoria directory →