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Explore tailored funerals →Crematoria in London Islington
A guide to
Islington
Crematorium
A light-filled chapel beneath a remarkable glass dome, set among the mature trees and gardens of Islington and St Pancras Cemetery in East Finchley.
278 High Road, East Finchley, London N2 9AG
The venue
An unexpected sense of light and space
Islington Crematorium has a character all its own. From the understated brick exterior, you step into a chapel with a large glazed dome overhead — a room that feels open, airy and surprisingly contemporary.
The crematorium sits within Islington and St Pancras Cemetery, a remarkable Victorian landscape in East Finchley. The cemetery dates from the 1850s, while the crematorium opened in 1937.
Its multi-faith chapel is suitable for religious, spiritual and non-religious funeral services. The movable seating and modern music and tribute facilities provide flexibility in how a farewell is arranged.
At a glance
74seated guests, with additional standing room
1937year the crematorium opened
1light-filled multi-faith chapel
2external screens for larger gatherings
Official information: Islington and Camden Cemetery Services →
Inside the chapel
A chapel beneath the glass dome
The glazed dome is the defining feature of Islington Crematorium. Natural light reaches down into the chapel, illuminating its pale walls, simple furnishings and rows of individual chairs.
There is seating for up to 74 people, with additional standing room. For larger gatherings, two outside screens can show the service to people who are unable to sit inside.
The seating can be rearranged where appropriate, and the chapel can be used for a religious or non-religious ceremony. Its simplicity makes room for your choice of music, readings, flowers and personal touches.
The glass dome gives the chapel a distinctive atmosphere, quite different from the darker, more traditional interiors found at some London crematoria.
Beyond the chapel
The gardens and cemetery
Beyond the crematorium is a spacious, mature landscape of trees, pathways and memorial gardens.
Islington and St Pancras Cemetery is one of London's historic municipal cemeteries. Its avenues and older monuments give the wider site a sense of history that contrasts with the simple interior of the crematorium.
The crematorium has a Garden of Remembrance, where ashes may be scattered or interred in designated areas, and a Book of Remembrance. These are options worth considering separately from the funeral service itself.
Explore the Garden of Remembrance →An important choice
The funeral service
The chapel can accommodate many different kinds of farewell. We can help you consider how to use the space and choose a ceremony that feels right for the person who has died.
A longer service
Service times are scheduled. If you would like a longer ceremony, additional time may be possible and should be arranged in advance.
Ceremony elsewhere
You can choose to hold the main ceremony at a different venue, followed by a simpler committal at the crematorium.
Explore alternative venues →Music, livestreaming and visual tributes
Islington Crematorium offers recorded music, photographs and video tributes, and livestreaming for people who cannot attend. The chapel also has an electronic organ. The venue uses Obitus for multimedia services.
Explore music, livestreaming & visual tributes →Finding your way
Getting to Islington Crematorium
Islington Crematorium is within Islington and St Pancras Cemetery in East Finchley. The cemetery is extensive, so allow time to travel from the entrance to the crematorium chapel.
Use the High Road entrance if driving
Vehicle access to the cemetery is through the East Finchley High Road entrance at 278 High Road, N2 9AG. The Coppetts Road gate is for pedestrian access only.
By car
Parking is available within the cemetery grounds. Follow the internal signs for Islington Crematorium and allow time to find the chapel.
By Tube or bus
East Finchley station is served by the Northern line. Bus services also run along High Road. Check your onward journey to the cemetery entrance and remember that the crematorium is some distance inside the grounds.
TfL Journey Planner →Accessibility
The chapel has an induction loop for people who are hard of hearing. A ramp can be provided for access to the chapel on request. If a ramp is required, arrangements should be confirmed with the crematorium in advance.
Opening times
The cemetery's grounds are generally open daily, but gate and office hours can change. Check the current opening hours before visiting outside a funeral service.
Islington Crematorium
Islington and St Pancras Cemetery
278 High Road, East Finchley
London N2 9AG
Enter via High Road when driving.Get directions →
Crematorium office
020 7527 8300
iccs@islington.gov.uk
A few useful answers
Questions about Islington Crematorium
Answers to some of the practical questions people often have when considering this crematorium.
How many people can the chapel accommodate?
There are seats for up to 74 people, plus standing room. Two external screens allow more people to follow the service outside the chapel.
Can we have a non-religious funeral?
Yes. The chapel is multi-faith and can be used for a religious, spiritual or non-religious funeral service.
How long does the service last?
Services are arranged in timed slots, which also allow for entering and leaving the chapel. If you would like additional time, this may be possible and should be discussed when the funeral is arranged.
Can we choose our own music and photographs?
Yes. Recorded music, photographs, video tributes and other personal elements can be incorporated into the service, subject to the venue's arrangements.
Can people watch the funeral online?
Yes. Livestreaming is available for people who cannot attend in person, using a secure online link.
Is the crematorium accessible?
There is an induction loop, and a ramp for chapel access can be provided on request. Confirm any specific access requirements with the crematorium in advance.
Is there parking on site?
Yes. Parking is available within the cemetery. Drivers should enter via 278 High Road, East Finchley, and follow the signs to the crematorium.
Can we choose a different crematorium?
Yes. You do not have to use the crematorium closest to home. You can explore different venues across London and choose one that best suits your wishes.
Here to help
There are many ways to say goodbye
Whether you're considering Islington Crematorium or still exploring venues, we can help you plan 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 →