Choosing a direct cremation plan means wading through multiple providers, each with different prices, inclusions and payment terms. You need to know what’s actually covered, which extras cost more, and whether you’re getting genuine value or just paying for clever marketing. With plans ranging from under £1,400 to over £2,000, the differences matter when you’re planning ahead or arranging a cremation for someone you’ve lost.
This comparison breaks down eight major UK direct cremation providers. You’ll see exactly what each plan includes as standard, what costs extra, how coverage works across the country, and who each provider suits best. We’ve stripped away the marketing language to give you the facts you need to make an informed choice. Whether you’re buying a prepaid funeral plan now or arranging an immediate cremation, you’ll find the details that matter most: real costs, genuine inclusions, and honest limitations.
1. Go Direct Cremations
Go Direct Cremations offers a straightforward direct cremation service across mainland England, Scotland and Wales, built around simplicity and transparency. The provider operates its own private ambulances and works with professional mortuaries and trusted crematoria to handle every aspect of the cremation process without the need for a traditional funeral service.
Service overview and coverage
You can access Go Direct Cremations from anywhere in mainland England, Scotland or Wales, with 24/7 availability for both support and collection. The company collects from any hospital in these regions as part of its standard service, and it handles complex cases including overseas repatriations, coroner involvement and organ donation situations. Coverage extends across major regions including the East Midlands, North East, South East and Birmingham.
How the direct cremation plan works
The service arranges an unattended cremation where no mourners are present at the crematorium. You receive guidance through all formalities and paperwork, the deceased is collected and prepared, then cremated at a time set by the provider. After cremation, you choose whether to have the ashes scattered in a garden of remembrance or personally delivered to your family within an agreed timeframe.
What is included as standard
Standard inclusions cover hospital collection from mainland locations, washing and preparation of the deceased, an eco-friendly coffin, a simple ashes container, all necessary paperwork assistance, and the cremation itself. You also get the choice of ashes scattering or personal delivery to your home, plus access to 24/7 support throughout the process.
Extras, exclusions and limitations
Additional charges apply for urgent home collection outside standard hospital pickup, removal of pacemakers or other medical devices, larger coffins for bariatric cases, and designer urns if you want something beyond the basic container. The service does not include any ceremonial elements, viewing of the deceased, or attendance options. You cannot choose the specific cremation date or time, as the provider schedules these based on crematorium availability.
Costs and payment options
When you compare direct cremation plans, Go Direct Cremations presents a base price with clear additional costs listed separately for specific circumstances. The company publishes transparent pricing for extras like medical device removal and oversized coffins, so you know exactly what you’ll pay before committing. Payment structures accommodate both immediate need arrangements and potential prepaid options.
Go Direct Cremations removes the financial burden of traditional funerals while maintaining full dignity and professional care throughout the process.
Who this provider suits best
This provider works well for families seeking maximum flexibility in how they memorialize their loved one, without the constraints of a formal ceremony. You’ll find it suitable if you want to organize your own celebration of life separately, need 24/7 availability for collection, or prefer an environmentally conscious option with transparent pricing that clearly separates base costs from optional extras.
2. Distinct Cremations
Distinct Cremations operates as part of the Westerleigh Group, one of the UK’s largest cremation service providers with 42 crematoriums nationwide. The company handles over 74,000 cremations each year and owns its own mortuary facilities, giving you direct access to professional infrastructure without relying on third-party contractors.
Service overview and coverage
Your access to Distinct Cremations extends across England, Scotland and Wales through the company’s network of owned crematoriums. The provider operates 24/7 for collection and support, with coverage in all major regions. This nationwide infrastructure means your cremation takes place at one of Distinct’s own facilities rather than being outsourced, which can offer more control over timing and quality standards.
How the direct cremation plan works
The service arranges an unattended cremation where the deceased goes directly to the crematorium without a ceremony. You receive support with all paperwork, the deceased is collected and prepared at Distinct’s mortuary, then cremated at a Westerleigh Group crematorium. After cremation, you can collect the ashes from the crematorium or branch, have them scattered in the garden of remembrance, or pay extra for personal delivery.
What is included as standard
Standard coverage includes weekday collection (8am to 6pm) from hospitals or coroner’s mortuaries across mainland Britain, removal of pacemakers and medical implants, a standard coffin, transport, notification of the cremation date, and the cremation fees. You also get the ashes returned within 14 days as standard, which distinguishes Distinct from some competitors who charge extra for this timeframe. Oversized coffins carry no additional charge.
Extras, exclusions and limitations
You’ll pay £250 additional for out-of-hours collection or pickup from locations other than hospitals or coroner’s mortuaries. Personal return of the ashes to your home costs an extra £100, though collection from a branch remains free. The service does not include any attendance options, viewing facilities, or choice of specific cremation date and time.
Distinct Cremations’ ownership of its own facilities means your loved one stays within the company’s care system from collection through to cremation.
Costs and payment options
When you compare direct cremation plans, Distinct Cremations lists its service at £1,350 as the base price for a standard direct cremation with all essential elements included. This pricing covers the core service during weekday office hours from standard collection points. Payment options accommodate both immediate need arrangements and prepaid funeral plans, with clear pricing for any additional services published upfront.
Who this provider suits best
This provider works well if you want the reassurance of dealing with a large-scale operator that owns its infrastructure rather than outsourcing to third parties. You’ll find it suitable when you need standard weekday collection from a hospital, want guaranteed ashes return within 14 days, and prefer working with an established company that handles tens of thousands of cremations annually with consistent five-star Feefo ratings.
3. Co-op Funeralcare direct cremation
Co-op Funeralcare operates as the UK’s largest funeral provider with over 800 branches nationwide, offering a prepaid direct cremation plan that combines the simplicity of an unattended cremation with the reassurance of a household name. The service provides face-to-face support at local branches, which sets it apart from many direct cremation specialists that operate entirely remotely.
Service overview and coverage
Your access to Co-op extends across the entire UK through its 800+ funeral homes, giving you local support wherever you live. The company handles collection within 50 miles of its branches as standard, with arrangements made through your nearest location. This extensive network means you can visit a physical branch to discuss arrangements rather than handling everything by phone or online.
How the direct cremation plan works
The Co-op arranges an unattended cremation where the deceased goes directly to the crematorium without mourners present. You cannot choose the specific date, time or crematorium location, as Co-op sets these based on availability. After cremation, you collect the ashes from a branch or crematorium, or have them scattered in the garden of remembrance at no extra cost.
What is included as standard
Standard coverage includes collection within 50 miles, professional care and preparation of the deceased, a simple coffin, transport to the crematorium, and cremation fees guaranteed at today’s prices. Your plan also covers the return of ashes to a branch or scattering at the garden of remembrance.
Extras, exclusions and limitations
Doctor’s fees remain excluded from the plan, typically costing around £164 at the time of need. You cannot attend the cremation, view the deceased, or choose when and where the cremation takes place. Collections beyond 50 miles, flowers, limousines and press notices all carry additional charges.
Costs and payment options
When you compare direct cremation plans, Co-op prices its service at £1,700, or £1,625 if you’re a Co-op member. Payment options include paying in full, spreading costs over 12 months interest-free, or extending up to 5 years with financing charges. The plan is FCA regulated and protected by approved trust arrangements.
Who this provider suits best
This provider works well if you value the reassurance of a national brand with physical branches where you can receive face-to-face guidance. You’ll find it suitable when you want guaranteed pricing that locks in today’s cremation costs, prefer dealing with a well-established company rated 4.5 stars on Trustpilot (3,434 reviews), and need flexible payment options including interest-free instalments.
4. Golden Leaves direct cremation plan
Golden Leaves operates as one of the UK’s longest-standing funeral plan providers, established in 1984, with a network of independent funeral directors delivering its direct cremation service. The company’s Copper Plan offers a prepaid direct cremation option that covers the essential elements of an unattended cremation across the UK.
Service overview and coverage
Your access to Golden Leaves extends nationwide through its network of local independent funeral directors. The service operates across England, Scotland and Wales, with arrangements handled centrally by Golden Leaves but delivered by trusted local partners. This model combines national oversight with local service delivery, giving you access to professional funeral directors in your area.
How the direct cremation plan works
The Copper Plan arranges an unattended cremation where the deceased goes directly to the crematorium without mourners present. Collection happens anywhere in the UK, the deceased receives professional care and preparation, then cremation takes place on a weekday in a single time slot. After cremation, the ashes either return to you or scatter at the crematorium according to your preferences.
What is included as standard
Standard coverage includes nationwide collection, professional care and preparation, a basic coffin, transport to the crematorium, and cremation fees guaranteed at today’s prices. Your plan covers Monday to Friday cremation slots and includes the return of ashes to your family or scattering at the crematorium garden of remembrance.
Extras, exclusions and limitations
Doctor’s fees remain excluded from the Copper Plan, meaning you’ll need to pay these separately when required (typically around £164). The service does not include any attendance options, viewing facilities, chapel visits, embalming, pallbearers or limousines. You cannot choose the specific cremation date or time beyond the weekday allocation.
Golden Leaves combines the flexibility of longer payment terms with consistently high customer satisfaction ratings.
Costs and payment options
When you compare direct cremation plans, Golden Leaves prices its Copper Plan at £1,700 paid in full. Payment options include 12 months interest-free instalments or extending up to 8 years with finance charges (though this increases the total cost significantly, from £1,700 to around £3,165 over the full 8-year term). The plan is FCA regulated with funds protected in trust.
Who this provider suits best
This provider works well if you need extended payment flexibility beyond the standard 12-month interest-free period and value high customer satisfaction ratings (4.8 stars on Trustpilot from 5,110 reviews). You’ll find it suitable when you want nationwide coverage through independent local funeral directors rather than a large corporate chain, and prefer dealing with an established provider with over 40 years of experience in prepaid funeral planning.
5. Pure Cremation
Pure Cremation operates as a direct cremation specialist with its own facilities and infrastructure across the UK. The company focuses exclusively on unattended cremations, handling the entire process from collection through to the return of ashes without offering traditional funeral services or ceremonial options.
Service overview and coverage
Your access to Pure Cremation extends across England, Scotland and Wales through the company’s network of facilities. The provider operates with its own mortuary and crematorium infrastructure, meaning your loved one remains within Pure Cremation’s care system throughout the process rather than being transferred to third-party contractors.
How the direct cremation plan works
The service arranges an unattended cremation where the deceased goes directly to the crematorium without any ceremony or mourners present. You receive support with paperwork, the deceased is collected and prepared, then cremated at a time set by the provider. After cremation, the ashes return to you within 14 days as standard, which Pure Cremation includes without additional charges that some competitors apply.
What is included as standard
Standard coverage includes weekday collection from hospitals or coroner’s mortuaries, removal of pacemakers and medical implants, a standard coffin, transport to the crematorium, cremation fees, notification of the cremation date, and return of ashes within 14 days. The company owns its facilities, so you avoid coordination delays between multiple service providers.
Extras, exclusions and limitations
You’ll pay £250 additional for out-of-hours collection or pickup from locations other than hospitals or coroner’s mortuaries. The service excludes attendance options, viewing facilities, and choice of specific cremation dates or times.
Costs and payment options
When you compare direct cremation plans, Pure Cremation lists its service at £1,495 for the complete direct cremation package. Payment options accommodate both immediate arrangements and prepaid plans, with transparent pricing for any additional services.
Who this provider suits best
This provider works well if you want the reassurance of dealing with a facilities owner rather than a coordinator, need guaranteed 14-day ashes return without extra charges, and prefer a mid-range price point between budget and premium providers.
6. Farewill direct cremation
Farewill operates as a technology-focused funeral provider that combines digital convenience with professional funeral services. The company offers direct cremation as part of its broader service range, emphasizing transparent pricing and modern customer experience through its online platform and telephone support.
Service overview and coverage
Your access to Farewill extends across England and Wales through its network of partner funeral directors and crematoriums. The provider operates 24/7 telephone support for urgent needs, with digital tools that let you manage arrangements online alongside traditional phone-based service. This hybrid approach gives you flexibility in how you communicate and track your arrangements.
How the direct cremation plan works
The service arranges an unattended cremation where the deceased goes directly to the crematorium without a ceremony. Farewill handles all paperwork digitally where possible, collects the deceased, provides mortuary care, then carries out the cremation at a partner facility. After cremation, you receive the ashes within 14 days or can arrange scattering at the crematorium.
What is included as standard
Standard coverage includes collection from any location in England and Wales, care and preparation, a simple coffin, transport, cremation fees, and return of ashes. The service also provides digital document handling and online account access for tracking arrangements, which appeals to families comfortable with technology.
Extras, exclusions and limitations
The service excludes attendance options, viewing facilities, and choice of cremation date or time. Doctor’s certificates and out-of-hours collections typically carry additional charges. You cannot select a specific crematorium location.
Costs and payment options
When you compare direct cremation plans, Farewill typically prices around £1,500 to £1,600 for its direct cremation service. Payment options include paying in full or instalments, with FCA-regulated prepaid plans available.
Who this provider suits best
This provider works well if you value digital convenience alongside professional service, prefer managing arrangements through online tools, and want competitive pricing with transparent breakdowns from a modern, tech-forward provider.
7. With Grace funeral plans
With Grace operates as a direct cremation specialist that emphasizes all-inclusive pricing and simplicity. The provider markets itself as offering the best-priced all-inclusive direct cremation plan in the UK, removing hidden costs and unexpected charges from the arrangement process.
Service overview and coverage
Your access to With Grace extends across England, Scotland and Wales through partnerships with local funeral directors and crematorium facilities. The company operates remotely, handling arrangements through telephone and digital channels rather than physical branch locations. This approach keeps costs down while maintaining professional standards through vetted partner networks.
How the direct cremation plan works
The service arranges an unattended cremation where the deceased goes straight to the crematorium without ceremony. With Grace handles paperwork support, coordinates collection through partner funeral directors, and manages the cremation process. After cremation, you receive the ashes by return or can arrange scattering at the crematorium grounds.
What is included as standard
Standard coverage includes nationwide collection, professional care and preparation, a simple coffin, transport, cremation fees, and return of ashes. The all-inclusive approach means doctor’s fees and other elements that some providers treat as extras come built into the base price.
Extras, exclusions and limitations
The service excludes attendance, viewing, and choice of specific cremation timing. You work entirely remotely without access to physical branches for face-to-face support.
Costs and payment options
When you compare direct cremation plans, With Grace positions itself at competitive pricing with all-inclusive coverage. Payment options accommodate both immediate need and prepaid arrangements.
Who this provider suits best
This provider works well if you want genuinely all-inclusive pricing without hidden extras, are comfortable with remote-only service, and prioritize cost transparency over branch access.
8. Memoria direct cremation
Memoria operates as a direct cremation provider focused on competitive pricing while delivering professional cremation services across the UK. The company positions itself as a low-cost option in the direct cremation market, working with partner funeral directors and crematoriums to handle arrangements without the overhead of physical branch networks.
Service overview and coverage
Your access to Memoria extends across England, Scotland and Wales through its network of partner facilities. The provider coordinates all arrangements centrally, with local funeral directors handling collection and crematorium partners managing the actual cremation. This model keeps operational costs down while maintaining coverage across mainland Britain.
How the direct cremation plan works
The service arranges an unattended cremation where the deceased goes directly to the crematorium without ceremony. Memoria handles paperwork coordination, arranges collection through partner funeral directors, and manages the cremation process at partner crematoriums. After cremation, you can collect ashes or pay extra for personal return within a specified timeframe.
What is included as standard
Standard coverage includes weekday collection from hospitals or coroner’s mortuaries, removal of medical devices, a simple coffin, transport, cremation fees, and notification of the cremation date. The basic service covers essential elements without premium options.
Extras, exclusions and limitations
You’ll pay £250 additional for out-of-hours collection and the same amount for oversized coffins. Personal return of ashes costs an extra £100, while expedited return within 14 days adds £175. The service excludes attendance, viewing, and choice of cremation timing.
Costs and payment options
When you compare direct cremation plans, Memoria lists its service at £1,145 for the base direct cremation package, making it one of the most affordable options available. Payment options accommodate both immediate arrangements and prepaid plans.
Who this provider suits best
This provider works well if budget is your primary concern and you want the lowest possible price for a professional direct cremation without additional features or premium service elements.
Making your choice
When you compare direct cremation plans across these eight providers, the differences come down to price transparency, included services, and whether you need nationwide coverage or local branch access. Budget-focused buyers will find options from £1,145 to £1,700, while those seeking comprehensive inclusions should check whether doctor’s fees, out-of-hours collection, and personal ashes return carry additional charges. The prepaid funeral plan option lets you lock in today’s prices if you’re planning ahead, though immediate need arrangements work differently across providers.
Your decision should balance upfront cost against what’s actually covered in the base price. Some providers include ashes return within 14 days as standard, while others charge £100 or more for personal delivery. Collection outside standard hours adds £250 with most providers, and doctor’s certificates often sit outside the base package at around £164.
Go Direct Cremations offers transparent pricing with clear separation between standard services and optional extras, giving you control over what you pay for without hidden costs appearing later in the arrangement process.