An Art Deco crematorium beside the Thames, with a beautiful chapel, brick cloisters and gardens that change with the seasons.
Kew Meadow Path, Richmond TW9 4EN
Mortlake Crematorium · West London
The venue
A quietly remarkable place beside the river
There is something special about arriving at Mortlake Crematorium. Beyond its modest entrance lies a distinctive brick building, arcaded walkways and gardens that feel surprisingly sheltered from the surrounding city.
Opened in 1939, Mortlake was designed by F. Douglas Barton. It is Grade II listed for its characteristic Art Deco architecture, carefully composed buildings and cloisters.
Set close to Chiswick Bridge on the banks of the Thames, it is an appealing option for funerals in West and South West London. Its architecture, generous chapel and peaceful grounds give it a very particular atmosphere.
At a glance
130seated guests in total, plus standing room
1939year the crematorium opened
40minutes in a usual weekday service slot
Grade IIlisted Art Deco architecture and cloisters
Mortlake's chapel is a handsome room, with a high, gently vaulted ceiling, timber pews and a gallery above the entrance. It has seating for 94 people downstairs and 36 upstairs, with further standing room in the entrance hall.
At the front of the chapel, the marble catafalque sits beneath a canopy, framed by flowers. The space can be used for religious, spiritual or non-religious services, with readings, music and personal tributes.
Unusually, the chapel also has a working pipe organ, built by John Compton in 1939. It is played from the gallery and can give a service a particularly beautiful musical quality.
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For anyone who loves traditional architecture and live organ music, Mortlake’s chapel is well worth considering.
The chapel · view from the gallery
The chapel · timber pewsThe marble catafalque
An important choice
The committal
The coffin rests on a raised platform called the catafalque. At Mortlake, the curtains around it can be closed as part of the committal, or left open.
It is also possible to witness the start of the cremation, if requested in advance. The crematorium can accommodate up to 10 people at its viewing window, or the start can be shown on a screen in the chapel.
The rose garden
Beyond the chapel
The gardens and cloisters
The grounds are one of the reasons people are drawn to Mortlake.
There are rose gardens, clipped hedges, quiet corners and places to sit. Brick cloisters connect the buildings, while the gardens and water features create an unexpectedly peaceful setting beside the river.
Flowers from funeral services are displayed in the floral courts afterwards. The crematorium also has a Book of Remembrance and a range of memorial options within the grounds.
Garden pathsWater garden
Making it personal
The funeral service
Mortlake offers room for a thoughtful, personal ceremony. The size of the chapel and its music facilities make it suitable for both a simple farewell and a service with several readings, tributes and pieces of music.
01 / A personal service
A tailored funeral
Music, readings, flowers, personal tributes and meaningful rituals can all be part of the ceremony.
The usual weekday slot is 40 minutes, including entering and leaving the chapel. Shorter early services and longer 80-minute slots are also offered, subject to arrangements.
03 / Another setting
A ceremony elsewhere
You can hold the main funeral ceremony at a different venue, followed by a smaller committal at Mortlake.
Mortlake uses Obitus for recorded music, photographs, visual tributes and livestreaming. The chapel has two portrait screens, and the working pipe organ is another musical option.
Mortlake Crematorium is close to Chiswick Bridge. The main vehicle entrance is along Kew Meadow Path, reached from Townmead Road.
Use Townmead Road for the main entrance
Turn off the A205 South Circular into Townmead Road, then into Kew Meadow Path. There is also a pedestrian entrance from the Thames towpath near Chiswick Bridge.
By car
On-site parking is available. Allow enough time to arrive, park and walk to the chapel, particularly when several people are attending.
By train or Tube
Kew Gardens station (District line and London Overground) and Mortlake railway station are each around a 15-minute walk away. The route from Mortlake station can use the Thames towpath entrance.
The R68 stops at Courtlands Avenue. Routes 190 and 533 stop at Thames Bank, with pedestrian access to the crematorium from the river towpath.
Accessibility
The main chapel entrance and floral courts are wheelchair accessible. There are accessible parking spaces, an accessible toilet, a wheelchair available to use and an induction loop in the chapel.
Visiting the gardens
The gardens and Room of Remembrance are open daily, with opening hours published by the crematorium. Check current visiting hours →
Mortlake Crematorium
Kew Meadow Path off Townmead Road Richmond TW9 4EN
A few practical details that may be helpful when considering a funeral at Mortlake.
How many people can the chapel accommodate?
There are 94 seats in the main chapel and 36 in the upstairs gallery, giving 130 seats in total. There is also standing room in the entrance hall.
How long is a funeral service at Mortlake?
A standard weekday service slot is 40 minutes, including the time needed to enter and leave the chapel. There are shorter early services and longer 80-minute services, subject to availability and arrangements.
Can we have a non-religious funeral?
Yes. You can choose readings, music and tributes for a religious, spiritual or non-religious ceremony.
Is there a real organ in the chapel?
Yes. Mortlake has a working Compton pipe organ dating from 1939, played from the chapel gallery.
Can people watch the funeral online?
Yes. Mortlake offers livestreaming through Obitus, as well as recorded music and visual tributes.
Can we witness the start of the cremation?
Yes, if requested in advance and agreed with the crematorium. Up to 10 people can view through a window, or the start can be shown on a screen in the chapel.
Is there parking and step-free access?
There is parking on site, including accessible spaces. The main chapel doors and floral courts are accessible for wheelchair users, and an accessible toilet is provided.
Do we have to choose our nearest crematorium?
No. You can choose a crematorium elsewhere in London if you prefer its chapel, setting or facilities.
Here to help
There are many ways to say goodbye
Whether you're considering Mortlake Crematorium or still exploring venues, we can help you arrange a funeral that feels personal and appropriate.
