Deciding what to do with a loved one’s ashes can feel overwhelming. There’s no single “right” choice, and grief can make even simple decisions hard. The good news is you don’t have to rush. In the UK you can keep ashes safely while you consider your options, and there’s a wide range of meaningful, practical, and affordable ways to lay them to rest or keep them close. There are, however, some rules to follow — from getting landowner permission to Environment Agency guidance for water — so confidence comes from knowing what’s allowed and what suits your family.
This guide brings together clear, UK‑specific advice and ideas, from classic choices like keeping an urn at home or interring in a cemetery, to creative tributes such as memorial jewellery, trees, reefs, fireworks and more. For each option we explain what it is, the permissions and laws to know, how to arrange it, and typical costs. We also cover ownership of ashes, paperwork, travelling with ashes, eco‑friendly considerations, and planning a personal scattering ceremony. If you’ve chosen a direct cremation — including with Go Direct Cremations — we’ll start with how to arrange ashes delivery or scattering with ease.
1. Arrange ashes delivery or scattering with Go Direct Cremations
What it is
Go Direct Cremations can return ashes or scatter them in a remembrance garden. A choice while you decide what to do with ashes.
UK rules and permissions
No licence needed to keep or scatter ashes in the UK. Private land requires permission.
How to arrange
Tell Go Direct Cremations your preference at booking or later. Take a simple container now; choose an urn when ready.
Typical costs
Check your package for what’s included. Personal delivery or a designer urn may be extra.
2. Keep the ashes at home in an urn
What it is
If you’re deciding what to do with ashes, home storage gives time. An urn preserves them safely.
UK rules and permissions
UK law allows ashes kept at home. No licence required; use a sealed container.
How to arrange
Accept the funeral provider’s temporary container. Choose an urn; transfer carefully using a funnel.
Typical costs
Prices vary by material and design. Simple urns cost less than bespoke pieces.
3. Share the ashes among family with keepsake urns or jewellery
What it is
When deciding what to do with ashes, share small portions so relatives keep a token in keepsake urns or ash jewellery.
UK rules and permissions
It’s legal to divide ashes in the UK; no licence is needed.
How to arrange
Use the container, a funnel and labels to apportion, then fill keepsakes.
Typical costs
Keepsake urns are cheaper than full‑size; jewellery pricing varies by material.
4. Inter the ashes in a cemetery plot, crematorium garden, or columbarium
Interment gives a permanent resting place and a focal point to visit. It’s a traditional answer when you’re weighing what to do with ashes and want something lasting: burial of an urn in a grave, placement in a crematorium’s garden of remembrance, or a niche in a columbarium.
What it is
Ashes are placed in a grave, dedicated urn garden, or sealed niche with an optional memorial or plaque.
UK rules and permissions
You’ll need the cemetery/crematorium’s permission, follow their memorial rules, and supply the cremation certificate. Many sites allow multiple sets of ashes in one plot.
How to arrange
Contact the cemetery or crematorium to book an interment or niche, choose a memorial if permitted, and coordinate a short committal if you wish.
Typical costs
Fees vary by location and may include plot or niche purchase/lease, interment fee, memorial permit and inscription, and ongoing maintenance.
5. Bury ashes at home on private land
Home burial is a personal, low‑cost option when deciding what to do with ashes—plan ahead.
What it is
Bury ashes on your private land, typically in an urn.
UK rules and permissions
Legal with landowner consent; no licence needed in the UK.
How to arrange
Choose a long‑term spot, use a suitable container, record the location.
Typical costs
Usually free; budget for an urn or simple marker.
6. Scatter ashes on private land (with permission)
Private land is a personal answer when deciding what to do with ashes — intimate, flexible, and close to home.
What it is
A dignified scattering on land you or another person owns.
UK rules and permissions
Legal with the landowner’s permission; no UK licence is required.
How to arrange
Choose the spot, get written permission, agree a date, use a scattering tube.
Typical costs
Usually free at home; private venues may charge a small admin fee.
7. Scatter ashes at sea or on the coast
Choosing what to do with ashes, many families feel drawn to the coast. A beach or boat scattering is simple and personal, offering a calm setting that can reflect a love of the sea and create space for a quiet goodbye.
What it is
A farewell on the beach or offshore by boat, with a short, personal moment.
UK rules and permissions
No licence is required; use biodegradable tributes and follow Environment Agency guidance.
How to arrange
Pick a quiet tide, check wind, use a scattering tube or book a local ashes‑at‑sea charter.
Typical costs
Public beaches are generally free; boat hire and accessories vary by operator.
8. Scatter ashes on rivers, canals, or lakes
Inland waters offer a peaceful local choice when deciding what to do with ashes, especially for those who loved fishing, towpaths or quiet reservoirs.
What it is
A brief scattering from a bank, jetty or small boat on rivers, canals or lakes.
UK rules and permissions
No licence. Avoid water intakes; get permission for private banks/canals and follow biodegradable-only tributes.
How to arrange
Pick a calm day, check wind, and use a scattering tube near the water’s surface.
Typical costs
Public access is usually free; boat hire or venue fees vary by operator.
9. Scatter ashes in national parks or countryside beauty spots
National parks and beauty spots can be a meaningful farewell. If that’s your answer to what to do with ashes, tread lightly.
What it is
A discreet scattering at a favourite countryside viewpoint.
UK rules and permissions
No licence; get permission and avoid fragile habitats.
How to arrange
Choose a quiet spot, check wind, use a scattering tube.
Typical costs
Usually free; private estates may require booking.
10. Choose a remembrance garden or woodland burial ground
Remembrance gardens at crematoria or churchyards, and dedicated woodland burial grounds, offer peaceful, looked‑after places for ashes. If you’re weighing what to do with ashes and want somewhere to visit, these settings favour natural planting, simple memorials and gentle, eco‑friendly practice.
What it is
Scattering or interring ashes in a tended memorial garden or natural woodland, sometimes with a simple plaque or entry in a remembrance book.
UK rules and permissions
Permission from the operator is required; expect biodegradable containers, minimal ornaments and designated areas or times.
How to arrange
Call the site, confirm rules and memorial choices, book a date, and bring the cremation certificate.
Typical costs
Charges vary; typically a scattering/interment fee, optional plot or tree rights, and any plaque or inscription.
11. Plant a memorial tree with a biodegradable urn
A hopeful, eco‑friendly memorial when choosing what to do with ashes.
What it is
Plant a biodegradable urn with a sapling to grow a tree.
UK rules and permissions
Legal UK‑wide; get landowner permission and use biodegradable containers.
How to arrange
Pick species and spot, buy a tree urn, plant and water.
Typical costs
Urn, sapling, and woodland placement fees vary.
12. Create memorial jewellery or diamonds
A personal answer to what to do with ashes: wearable tributes.
What it is
Use a tiny portion for jewellery or a lab‑grown memorial diamond.
UK rules and permissions
Legal UK‑wide to divide and keep ashes; no licence.
How to arrange
Set aside a sample, choose a design, follow maker instructions.
Typical costs
Costs vary: simple pieces modest; diamonds premium.
13. Commission glass art, sculptures, or paperweights
Glass art, sculptures and paperweights are a beautiful answer for what to do with ashes, creating a lasting piece for the home while using only a tiny portion.
What it is
Ashes are fused into glass or mixed into sculptural media.
UK rules and permissions
Legal to keep/divide; permission needed only for public installations.
How to arrange
Choose a maker/design and send a labelled sample as directed.
Typical costs
Prices vary; paperweights low, bespoke pieces highest.
14. Ashes in fireworks for a celebration display
If you’re wondering what to do with ashes and they loved sparkle, memorial fireworks offer a joyful farewell, lifting a tiny portion skyward for a shared celebration. It’s a dramatic, upbeat tribute that many families find uplifting.
What it is
Specialists seal a tiny portion of cremation ashes into bespoke fireworks.
UK rules and permissions
Get landowner consent and use a professional display company for safety.
How to arrange
Book a memorial fireworks provider and send a small sample as instructed.
Typical costs
Prices vary by scale and location—request an itemised quote.
15. Create an underwater legacy with a memorial reef
An underwater memorial reef is a meaningful answer when deciding what to do with ashes: a tiny reef stone offshore. A small portion becomes part of an artificial structure that supports marine life and forms a lasting sea‑themed tribute.
What it is
Ashes set into an artificial reef stone offshore.
UK rules and permissions
Specialist providers manage permissions and environmental requirements.
How to arrange
Choose provider and stone; book placement.
Typical costs
Varies by stone and extras; request a quote.
16. Press ashes into a vinyl record
Music lovers may prefer a vinyl record—an evocative answer when deciding what to do with ashes.
What it is
A tiny portion is pressed into a bespoke, playable record.
UK rules and permissions
Legal UK‑wide; dividing ashes needs no licence.
How to arrange
Choose audio and artwork; send a labelled sample.
Typical costs
Costs vary by run length and packaging—request an itemised quote.
17. Memorial tattoos using ash-infused ink
A personal answer to what to do with ashes.
What it is
A tiny portion is mixed with ink for a memorial tattoo.
UK rules and permissions
Dividing ashes is legal; studios decide policies—prioritise hygiene.
How to arrange
Pick an experienced studio, agree design and safety, bring the sample.
Typical costs
Usual tattoo rates; ask for a written quote.
18. Send a token amount to the edge of space
If you’re weighing what to do with ashes, a near‑space tribute is unforgettable for space‑lovers and stargazers alike.
What it is
A tiny portion rides a helium balloon to around 100,000 ft; the balloon bursts and the ashes disperse high in the atmosphere.
UK rules and permissions
Scattering ashes is legal in the UK; specialist providers handle safety, permissions and biodegradable containers.
How to arrange
Choose a reputable provider, book a launch, send a clearly labelled small sample, sign consent, and confirm date and location.
Typical costs
Bespoke service—prices vary; request an itemised quote.
19. Solidify ashes into stones or keep them in an hourglass
Tactile, portable and deeply personal, turning ashes into smooth “stones” or displaying them in an hourglass can bring everyday comfort. If you’re still deciding what to do with ashes, these options use only part (or all) of the remains and create a meaningful keepsake at home.
What it is
Cremated remains are compressed into polished stone‑like pieces, or placed in a sealed hourglass as a symbolic reminder of time.
UK rules and permissions
Legal UK‑wide to divide and keep ashes at home; no licence required. Use secure, sealed containers—seek venue consent if displaying publicly.
How to arrange
Choose a reputable specialist, set aside a clearly labelled sample, confirm sizes/finishes. For hourglasses, buy purpose‑made units and have them professionally filled and sealed.
Typical costs
Prices vary by maker, size and finish. From simple keepsakes to bespoke sets—request an itemised quote before proceeding.
20. Memorial bears and soft keepsakes
A comforting option when choosing what to do with ashes.
What it is
A tiny portion in a hidden capsule inside a soft toy.
UK rules and permissions
Legal UK‑wide to divide and keep ashes.
How to arrange
Choose a memorial bear; label, fill and seal the insert.
Typical costs
Usually modest; price varies by bear quality.
21. Travel with ashes in the UK and abroad
Deciding what to do with ashes and need to travel? Plan ahead.
What it is
Moving cremated remains by car, rail, ferry or flight—usually hand‑carried when flying.
UK rules and permissions
No UK licence is needed; carriers set policies—carry the cremation certificate.
How to arrange
Check carrier rules, use a sealed, x‑ray‑friendly container, and confirm embassy/import guidance for overseas trips.
Typical costs
Beyond your ticket, allow for document copies, translations or any specialist courier help.
22. Know the law: who owns the ashes, paperwork, and permissions
Key points to guide what to do with ashes legally.
What it is
Who decides, required paperwork, and when permissions apply.
UK rules and permissions
Legal to keep or divide ashes. No licence to scatter; get landowner permission. Follow Environment Agency guidance for water. Venues set their own rules.
How to arrange
Confirm the decision‑maker, keep the Certificate of Cremation safe, obtain written permission for private sites.
Typical costs
Typically none; expect admin or memorial fees where venues are involved.
23. Plan a personal scattering ceremony or celebration of life
A simple, personal ceremony makes goodbye meaningful—at home, waterside or a favourite spot—without fuss, when deciding what to do with ashes.
What it is
A few words, a reading, a song or silence, then the scattering or placement.
UK rules and permissions
No licence; get landowner consent; follow Environment Agency guidance near water; biodegradable tributes only.
How to arrange
Choose a quiet time (check wind/tides), prepare words, use a scattering tube, and nominate someone to lead.
Typical costs
Usually minimal—tube, flowers, small prints; extras for a celebrant, private venue or boat.
24. Eco-friendly choices and environmental considerations
For a greener answer to what to do with ashes, keep impact low.
What it is
Biodegradable urns and tubes, woodland or garden settings, reef stones, mindful scatterings.
UK rules and permissions
No licence; get permission, follow Environment Agency water guidance, avoid fragile habitats.
How to arrange
Use biodegradable containers, avoid plastics, check wind/tides and water intakes, confirm rules.
Typical costs
Often similar; eco urns modest, woodland and reef vary by provider.
Next steps
You’ve now got a clear picture of what to do with ashes in the UK. Take your time, choose what fits your loved one, and plan the practicalities. Keep the Certificate of Cremation safe, get landowner permission where needed, and follow Environment Agency guidance for water. Pick a calm day, check wind/tides, use biodegradable tributes, and record the location. If costs apply (plots, plaques, boats), request itemised quotes.
When you want a simple, dignified path, choose a service that makes everything easier. With Go Direct Cremations you can arrange an unattended cremation, have ashes returned or respectfully scattered, and get help with paperwork and permissions. Clear pricing, 24/7 support, and professional care mean you can focus on remembering well.