A guide to

Honor Oak
Crematorium

An Italianate chapel, a beautiful rose garden and a place to say goodbye in your own way.

Brockley Way, London SE4 2LW
Honor Oak Crematorium's Italianate exterior and rose gardens
Honor Oak Crematorium · South East London
The venue & its character

A familiar South London landmark, quietly beautiful

In the grounds of Camberwell New Cemetery, Honor Oak Crematorium feels separate from the bustle of the city. Rose beds soften its brick colonnade, and a distinctive tower rises above the chapel.

The Grade II listed building opened in 1939. Its Italianate architecture was designed by William Bell and Maurice Webb, and the chapel was thoughtfully refurbished in 2018. Inside, a tall stained-glass window brings colour and light to a simple, contemplative space.

We arrange many funerals here. We can help you understand how the chapel works and decide whether it feels like the right place for the person who has died.

At a glance
70seats in the chapel, plus standing room in the entrance hall
1939year the crematorium opened
6 acresof landscaped crematorium grounds
2018year of its major refurbishment

Details are based on Southwark Council's published venue information; arrangements should be confirmed before booking.

Inside the chapel

A chapel with warmth and light

The chapel's pale walls, stone arch and stained glass create a quietly distinctive setting. There are 70 seats in the chapel, including the upstairs gallery, plus standing room in the entrance hall.

It can accommodate a religious, non-religious or entirely personal ceremony. There's room for music, readings, photographs, tributes, quiet reflection — or simply for people to sit together.

The important thing isn't following a formula. It's making the time in the chapel feel right for the person you're remembering.

Interior of Honor Oak Crematorium chapel seen from the gallery, with pews and stained glass
The catafalque and stone arch inside Honor Oak Crematorium chapel
An important choice

What happens at the end of the service?

The coffin rests on a raised platform called the catafalque. At Honor Oak, you can choose for it to descend from view at the committal or remain where it is.

It may also be possible to witness the start of the cremation. This must be requested in advance.

Your choices

There is more than one way to say goodbye

Honor Oak can accommodate different kinds of funeral services, from a full personal ceremony to something simpler. We can help you shape the ceremony around your wishes and explain how much time is available in the chapel.

01 / A personal ceremony

Tailored funeral

A service shaped around someone's life, with time for music, stories, readings and the people who want to take part.

Explore tailored funerals →
02 / Something simpler

Simple morning funeral

An attended funeral earlier in the day, with a shorter period together in the chapel to say goodbye.

Explore simple morning funerals →
03 / Without an attended service

Direct cremation

The cremation takes place without mourners present; a gathering or memorial can happen elsewhere, at another time.

Explore direct cremation →

Music, photographs and sharing the ceremony

Honor Oak uses Obitus for music, visual tributes, livestreaming and recordings. You can choose meaningful music, display photographs and make the service available to people who cannot attend in person.

Explore music, livestreaming & visual tributes →
Finding your way

Getting to Honor Oak Crematorium

It is worth checking the route before the day. The crematorium has its own entrance, separate from the route people sometimes use for Camberwell New Cemetery.

Please use the Brockley Way entrance

Do not follow directions to the cemetery entrance on Brenchley Gardens. There is no through-route to the crematorium from that entrance.

By car

There is parking on the crematorium grounds, accessed from Brockley Way. Allow time to arrive and park; spaces can be busy around funeral services.

By train and bus

Honor Oak Park and Crofton Park are nearby railway stations. Use the TfL Journey Planner for the best current connection to Brockley Way.

Accessibility

The chapel is accessible via a ramp.

Honor Oak Crematorium

Brockley Way, London SE4 2LW
Within Camberwell New Cemetery

Check the entrance before travelling.Get directions →
A few useful answers

Questions about Honor Oak

You don't need to have all the answers before you begin arranging a funeral. Here are some of the things people ask us most often.

How many people can attend?

The chapel has 70 seats, including those in the upstairs gallery, plus standing room in the entrance hall.

Can we choose our own music and show photographs?

Yes. Music and visual tribute facilities are available. We can help you prepare the choices and confirm the arrangements with the venue.

Can someone who cannot attend watch remotely?

Yes. Honor Oak offers livestreaming and recording through Obitus, so people can watch remotely.

Can we have more time in the chapel?

Additional time in the chapel may be available for a funeral service, subject to availability. It needs to be arranged in advance.

Do we have to have a religious service?

No. A funeral here can be religious, non-religious or a blend of different traditions. You may choose a celebrant, a faith leader or to involve your own friends and relatives.

Can we visit before making a decision?

You can explore the grounds to get a feel for the setting. The chapel may not be open to visitors while funeral services are taking place, but you can book an appointment to see inside.

Here to help

You don't need to know exactly what you want yet

If you're thinking about a funeral at Honor Oak, we can talk through the options and help you find a way forward that feels right.

Still exploring? You don't have to choose the nearest crematorium.

Explore our London crematoria directory →