Choosing an urn for scattering ashes is a tender, practical decision at a time when you may least feel like comparing products. You’ll want something dignified and easy to use, the right size for all the ashes or for sharing between family, and a design that feels right—whether you’re scattering on a favourite hillside, in a garden, or planning a water burial. Eco credentials, UK availability, and delivery speed matter too, as do simple details like a secure lid and a clean pour that avoids spills or wind‑blown mishaps.
This guide compares eight trusted UK options for 2025, from scatter-ready containers included with some direct cremations to specialist scatter tubes and fully biodegradable water urns. For each pick, we cover what it is, sizes and capacity (adult, shared, keepsake), materials and environmental credentials, designs and personalisation, water-burial suitability, and typical price ranges with where to buy—online and in-store. You’ll also find quick pointers to help you match the urn to your plans and timescales. Ready to find a fitting, stress‑free option? Let’s look at the best choices available now across the UK.
1. Go Direct Cremations — scatter-ready ashes container (included) and designer urns (add-on)
What it is
Go Direct Cremations is a UK direct cremation specialist that includes a simple, scatter-ready ashes container with every unattended cremation. Families can choose to have ashes personally delivered or, if preferred, respectfully scattered in a garden of remembrance. If you’d like something more decorative, designer urns for scattering ashes are available as an optional add-on.
Sizes and capacity
The included container is practical for transport and straightforward scattering. If you plan to share ashes among family members or hold separate ceremonies, you can decant into multiple containers after delivery. Ask the team for guidance on selecting the right capacity if you’re considering a designer scattering urn.
Materials and eco credentials
An eco-friendly coffin is provided as standard, and the simple ashes container keeps materials to a minimum. This pared-back approach suits families seeking a lower-impact choice without unnecessary embellishment, with the option to upgrade if a particular look or ceremony plan calls for it.
Designs and personalisation
The included container is plain and dignified. For a personalised touch, Go Direct Cremations can supply designer urns as an add-on, with a choice of styles to match your setting and taste. The team will talk you through what’s available and suitable for your plans.
Water burial suitability
For scattering at sea, rivers or lakes, purpose-made water urns are typically required. The included container is intended for land-based scattering. If you’re arranging a water burial, speak to the team for advice on suitable options and local guidance.
Price range and where to buy
The simple ashes container is included in the direct cremation package; designer scattering urns are offered as clearly priced add-ons. You can arrange everything directly with Go Direct Cremations when booking the cremation or after, ahead of your ceremony, with personal delivery available across mainland England, Scotland, and Wales.
2. Scattering Ashes — scatter tubes (widest range of designs and sizes)
What it is
Scattering Ashes is a UK specialist offering purpose-made scatter tubes and Scatterpods designed to make a scattering ceremony practical and dignified. They pair a wide product range with clear guidance and fast fulfilment to help families feel prepared.
Sizes and capacity
They stock one of the widest ranges of sizes, so you can choose a tube suitable for a full set of adult ashes or smaller sizes for shared ceremonies. If you’re unsure what you need, their guidance helps you pick an appropriate capacity with confidence.
Materials and eco credentials
Their focus is on purpose-designed containers for a respectful scatter, keeping the process simple and tidy. For families prioritising environmental choices, they also offer fully biodegradable options for water burial (see below).
Designs and personalisation
You’ll find a very broad choice of designs and finishes, beautifully presented, so you can select something that feels right for the setting and the person you’re remembering. If you need help matching a design to your plans, they provide friendly advice.
Water burial suitability
For scattering at sea, rivers or lakes, Scattering Ashes stocks the Journey Water Urn: a 100% biodegradable, pillow‑shaped urn designed to float briefly, then sink and break down naturally over a few hours—ideal for a calm, graceful water farewell.
Price range and where to buy
Order directly from Scattering Ashes online. They offer guidance throughout and free next‑day delivery on their scatter tubes range, making it a reliable choice if your ceremony is soon or you’re coordinating family travel dates.
3. Urns for Ashes — scatter tubes (100% recyclable, no metal or plastic)
What it is
Urns for Ashes offers dedicated scatter tubes for a dignified, controlled pour when scattering ashes, alongside a separate range of urns for water burial if you’re planning a farewell at sea. It’s a straightforward place to compare options by use and setting.
Sizes and capacity
Their scatter tubes come in different capacities so you can match an urn for scattering ashes to your plans—whether keeping all the ashes together or sharing between family. Check each product’s stated capacity to ensure it suits an adult’s remains or smaller keepsake portions.
Materials and eco credentials
According to Urns for Ashes, their scattering tubes are made from 100% recyclable material and contain no metal or plastic. That means the entire tube can be buried after use if desired, supporting simple disposal and lower-impact choices.
Designs and personalisation
You can choose from a selection of designs to suit your ceremony and setting, from understated to more decorative looks. Pick something that feels right for the person you’re remembering and the place you’ll be scattering.
Water burial suitability
If you’re scattering ashes at sea, rivers or lakes, Urns for Ashes also stocks a broad range of urns for water burial. These options are designed specifically for water ceremonies, making them more appropriate than standard scatter tubes.
Price range and where to buy
Prices vary by size and design. Order directly from Urns for Ashes online and select the scatter tube or water-burial urn that fits your timeline and ceremony plan, with delivery available across the UK.
4. Co-op Funeralcare — scatter tube (easy to use, in-store and online)
What it is
Co-op Funeralcare offers purpose-made scatter tubes for a simple, dignified ceremony. Made for ease of handling and a controlled pour, they’re a practical, widely available option if you prefer to buy an urn for scattering ashes in person or online.
Sizes and capacity
Capacity varies by product, so check the specification to ensure it suits your plans (for all the ashes together or sharing between family). If you’re unsure, a Co-op funeral arranger can advise on selecting the right size for your ceremony.
Materials and eco credentials
According to Co-op Funeralcare, their scatter tubes are made from cardboard, keeping materials simple and light. After your ceremony, follow local guidance on re-use or recycling of clean, dry paper/card components.
Designs and personalisation
You can choose from six attractive designs, including flowers, birds and butterflies, allowing you to match the look to your person and setting. If you want added personal touches, many families pair a chosen design with keepsakes or a simple printed label.
Water burial suitability
Standard cardboard scatter tubes are intended for land-based scattering and aren’t designed to be placed in water. For a water ceremony, opt for a biodegradable water urn that’s specifically made to float briefly and then sink gracefully.
Price range and where to buy
Buy directly online via Co-op Funeralcare or arrange through your local Co-op funeral home if you prefer in-person support. Stock and designs are widely available across the UK, making this a convenient, reliable choice on a short timeline.
5. Journey Water Urn — biodegradable pillow urn for water burial
What it is
The Journey Water Urn is a purpose-made water-burial urn designed for a calm, dignified farewell on rivers, lakes or at sea. It’s pillow‑shaped and, according to the manufacturer, 100% biodegradable, created to make the moment of release simple and respectful.
Sizes and capacity
Always check the stated capacity before buying to ensure it suits your plans. If you intend to share ashes between relatives or hold more than one ceremony, you can portion the ashes accordingly and use more than one urn or retain some for a later memorial.
Materials and eco credentials
The Journey Water Urn is described as 100% biodegradable. It is designed to float for a while, then sink gracefully and break down naturally over a few hours. This makes it an eco‑considered choice that avoids leaving materials in the water.
Designs and personalisation
The understated, pillow-shaped form suits coastal or inland settings and keeps the focus on the ceremony. Families often add simple, biodegradable touches at the water’s edge—such as petals or a short reading—without altering the urn itself.
Water burial suitability
This urn is specifically engineered for water burial: it floats briefly, then sinks and naturally degrades, supporting a gentle, unhurried goodbye. As with any water scattering or burial, follow local regulations and safety guidance, and choose a quiet, permitted location.
Price range and where to buy
Prices vary by option. You can purchase the Journey Water Urn from UK specialists that stock water‑burial urns, including retailers offering dedicated guidance for ceremonies at sea, rivers or lakes. Order ahead of your date to allow time for delivery and preparation.
6. URNS UK — scattering urns and scatter tubes (styles for land and water)
What it is
URNS UK is a retailer offering scattering urns and scatter tubes in a broad choice of styles, with options suitable for both land-based ceremonies and those at sea, rivers or lakes. It’s a straightforward place to pick an urn for scattering ashes that matches your setting.
Sizes and capacity
Check the stated capacity on each product page to ensure it fits your plans—whether holding all the ashes together or sharing between family members. If you expect multiple ceremonies, consider purchasing matching smaller containers to divide portions neatly and respectfully.
Materials and eco credentials
Materials vary across the range. Standard scatter tubes are typically lightweight and practical for a controlled pour on land, while models intended for water use are designed specifically for that environment. For eco considerations (e.g., recyclability or biodegradability), review each item’s specifications before buying.
Designs and personalisation
Their scattering urns come in various colours and styles, from understated to more decorative looks, so you can choose something that feels right for the person and place. Many families add simple touches—like a ribbon or label—without altering the urn’s function.
Water burial suitability
Some URNS UK scattering urns are made for ceremonies at sea, rivers or lakes; choose these purpose‑designed options for water settings. Avoid placing standard land scatter tubes into water unless the product specifically states suitability.
Price range and where to buy
Prices depend on style, size and finish. Buy directly from URNS UK via their website, selecting the design and capacity that fit your ceremony plan and timing.
7. Coffin Company — water biodegradable urns (float then sink gracefully)
What it is
Coffin Company supplies biodegradable urns designed specifically for water burial. According to their guidance, these urns will float briefly before sinking gracefully, helping families create a calm, unhurried moment on rivers, lakes or at sea. They are sustainably produced for an eco-considered farewell.
Sizes and capacity
Always check the stated capacity for each urn to ensure it suits your plans. If you’re sharing ashes between relatives or holding separate ceremonies, you can portion the ashes into multiple containers rather than using a single large urn.
Materials and eco credentials
These are water-biodegradable urns made to break down naturally underwater over a short period. Their sustainably produced construction supports families who want a respectful ceremony that avoids leaving lasting materials in the environment.
Designs and personalisation
Forms are typically understated to keep the focus on the setting and moment. If you’d like a personal touch, consider biodegradable petals or a simple reading at the water’s edge; avoid adding items that won’t biodegrade.
Water burial suitability
Coffin Company’s urns are purpose-made for water burial and are not intended for land scattering. The float-then-sink design supports a gentle release; as with any water ceremony, choose a permitted location and follow local safety and environmental guidance.
Price range and where to buy
Prices vary by model and capacity. Purchase directly from Coffin Company online; order ahead of your date to allow time for delivery and any coordination with your venue or boat operator.
8. Amazon UK — budget scatter tubes and eco urns (fast delivery, multipacks)
What it is
Amazon UK lists a wide selection of budget-friendly scatter tubes and eco urns from multiple brands, including multipacks. It’s useful when you need an urn for scattering ashes quickly, with plenty of choice in styles and delivery windows to suit short-notice ceremonies.
Sizes and capacity
You’ll find options for full adult capacity as well as small and keepsake sizes. Multipacks can help when sharing ashes among family or planning separate ceremonies. Always check the stated volume and dimensions on each listing before buying.
Materials and eco credentials
Materials vary by seller. Common options include cardboard scatter tubes and biodegradable choices such as bamboo, with some products marketed as eco-friendly. Review each listing’s specifications to confirm recyclability or biodegradability and the absence of metal or plastic parts.
Designs and personalisation
Expect a broad mix of nature themes, classic motifs and plain designs. Personalisation is generally limited on marketplace listings, so many families add simple touches themselves (e.g., a ribbon or label) without altering the urn’s function.
Water burial suitability
Standard scatter tubes are made for land-based scattering and shouldn’t be placed in water. If you’re planning a water ceremony, look specifically for water-biodegradable urns and confirm the listing states that it’s suitable for water burial.
Price range and where to buy
Amazon UK typically offers some of the lowest prices, with value multipacks available. Compare listings by size, material, seller ratings and delivery timeframes. Order directly through Amazon and allow a little buffer for shipping ahead of your ceremony date.
Final thoughts
The “best” urn for scattering ashes is the one that matches your setting, timescale and budget while feeling right for the person you’re honouring. For land scatterings, a recyclable scatter tube with a secure lid gives a clean, controlled pour. For water farewells, choose a purpose‑made biodegradable urn that floats briefly and then sinks. Check capacity (full adult vs shared/keepsake), confirm eco credentials, and order a little ahead of time. Before the day, familiarise yourself with the opening mechanism and rehearse the pour so the moment itself can be calm and unhurried.
If you’re arranging a direct cremation and want a simple, stress‑free path, Go Direct Cremations includes a dignified, scatter‑ready container as standard, with optional designer urns, personal delivery across mainland England, Scotland and Wales, or respectful scattering in a garden of remembrance. Speak to the team 24/7 for clear guidance and practical help tailored to your plans.
