Arranging a burial without a funeral director

Most people use a professional funeral director to make and carry out the arrangements. 

However, if preferred, you can organise the funeral independently. Such a funeral is sometimes called a “personalised”, “independent” or “family-only” funeral. 

What to do when someone dies on GOV.UK gives step-by-step guidance on registering the death, notifying the government and dealing with the estate.

Get in touch with your local bereavement services office for further advice on independent funeral arrangements. 

Contact us

Barrow office

Covering Barrow, Dalton and Ireleth Cemeteries, Thorncliffe Crematorium, Barrow and enquires for the Barrow area.

Phone: 01229 876542
Email: cemetery-1@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Kendal office

Covering Kendal, Windermere, Bowness, Grasmere, Ulverston, Grange and Sedbergh Cemeteries and enquires for the South Lakeland area.

Phone: 01539 793554
Email: cemeteries@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Penrith office

Covering Penrith, Appleby, Alston, Garrigill and Nenthead and enquires for the Eden area.

Phone: 01768 212251
Email: penrith.cemetery@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk