Losing someone close to you is never easy, but one way to move on is by scattering their ashes, when you feel ready. Here are some suggestions for places to do this, and other things you need to know about scattering your loved one’s ashes.
The River Thames is a popular choice for scattering ashes in London. In fact, boats take small and larger groups out on to the river for this purpose. If you and your guests need refreshments, there is a café at the entrance of the Lambeth Pier at the Albert Embankment. Alternatively, you can arrange for drinks to be available on board for a small charge in addition to the cost of drinks.
Fenton House and Garden is another possible option, although you should read the section further down on scattering ashes at National Trust sites. If you’re permitted to, it can be a wonderful final place for your loved one’s ashes. Fenton House and Garden is one of London’s hidden gems, away from the usual hustle and bustle the city is known for.
For £250, you can scatter ashes on the River Aire. The trip and ceremony will take between 30 and 45 minutes, with the capacity for 12 or 30 people onboard, depending on your requirements.. Refreshments can also be arranged from the nearby North Star Coffee. It’s worth noting, if you’re a member of the local Sikh or Hindu community, you can scatter ashes for free within the Kirkstall Abbey grounds, from specific points of the river. Many other cities offer this too.
Roundhay Park is another option for scattering ashes in Leeds. The spacious park has plenty of green spaces, and areas to take a quiet moment or have a small gathering of friends and family to mark the occasion respectfully.
If your loved one was a football fan, specifically a Manchester City supporter, they may have wanted their ashes to be scattered at the stadium. The good news is you can grant this for them by scattering his or her ashes at the Memorial Garden at the stadium. You can contact the football club to arrange a time to do this.
The River Irwell could also be a final resting place for your friend or family member’s ashes. Although there isn’t any specific service set up like there is with the River Thames or River Aire, you could scatter from the bank, providing you don’t drop ashes on to the path. There are also nearby restaurants for you and your family to go afterwards. Saying goodbye is always hard, but it helps to be around other people who knew the person you lost.
Packwood House is another National Trust site you could enquire to about scattering your loved one’s ashes. It’s located in Solihull, has some amazing gardens and serves food if you want to have a small informal gathering afterwards.
You could opt to scatter ashes in the stretch of River Rea which passes through Birmingham. It’s also a great place to walk, and could provide the tranquillity you need after losing a loved one.
Boats leave from Ocean village, if you want to scatter ashes in Southampton. They cater to all sizes of groups, from their smallest boats with space for 6 people, all the way up to larger boats with the capacity to carry 150 people. Because ashes can be blown about when scattered into water, you can purchase a biodegradable urn which can be dropped into the water. The whole ceremony is expected to take under an hour, and refreshments are served on board.
Hinton Ampner is another National Trust site, and is located near Bramdean. Although it’s not in Southampton, it’s a relatively short drive and well worth the travel. It has 18 acres of gardens which make a good backdrop for scattering ashes, if you can get permission.
The Garden of Remembrance in West Newcastle Crematorium is a picturesque place. Choosing this location means you can return and ‘visit’ your loved one, remembering them as you walk about the serene garden. You can place flowers in a vase, although these are general vases for anyone to place flowers, rather than just for the person you lost. If you don’t have a grave to visit and can’t afford a plot, this might be the ideal solution.
The River Tyne has several bridges, such as the Tyne Bridge or the Gateshead Millennium bridge, where you could scatter ashes. On a nice day, the view can be stunning. Alternatively, you and your family can take a boat trip to scatter the ashes. Boats leave from Newcastle Quayside near Gateshead Millennium Bridge.
Rother Valley Country Park is a lovely location to scatter ashes. You and your friends and family can take a short walk beforehand, then take a few moments to say something in memory of your loved one, or just to appreciate the scenery in silence.
Alternatively, if you prefer water, the Sheffield stretch of the River Don is a good option. With 70 miles of river spanning across several areas, including Sheffield, Rotherham and Doncaster, it’s also the perfect place to take a walk afterwards and have a picnic if the weather is good.
If you’re in Liverpool, or have connections to the area, you might choose to scatter your friend or family member’s ashes in the River Mersey. You can take the Mersey Ferry to do this. These leave from Pier Head at 10am and 11am, 7 days a week. Or if you’re based a little further out, you can catch the ferry from Woodside in Birkenhead at 10.20am or 11.20. This is also 7 days a week. The cost is the standard fee of £11 per adult and £7.50 per child, with no additional fee to scatter ashes. It’s important to know, there is limited space in the part of the ferry where this can be done. Because it can’t be booked, your party might not be the only people scattering ashes.
Crosby Beach is another water-based location to scatter ashes. Although you may need permission, you don’t need a license. If it’s a nice day, you can have a walk or share a picnic on the beach afterwards. Although, a winter’s day can be peaceful, providing you all wrap up warm.
If you want a place to revisit, you can strew ashes (rather than scatter them) at Scholemoor Crematorium. This is when the ashes are poured directly into the ground. This avoids some of the problems cause with scattering, like the wind blowing them back at you, and gives you a tangible place to visit when you’re missing your loved one. It’s significantly more expensive, but could be worth it if you have the extra money to spend.
East Riddlesden Hall is a National Trust site in Keighley. It could make a nice location for nature lovers. There is also a tearoom to get a hot drink and warm up afterwards if it’s a cold day. Because there are many things to do at East Riddlesden Hall, lots of families visit. So, it could be best to enquire about the quietest time to visit when you ask them about scattering ashes there.
For scattering ashes at sea, there are several environmental rules to follow, but no need to ask permission unless the stretch of water is privately owned. Many places have boat trips where you can scatter ashes further out on the water, for those who are concerned about them blowing back onto the land or nearby beaches.
National Trust sites have some stunning scenery, and there is a least one in most towns and cities around the UK, so it can be the perfect option for scattering ashes. However, some might allow you to scatter ashes, while others won’t. To find out if you can go ahead at your chosen location, you will need to find the contact details of the property manager and get written permission from them.
When it comes to scattering ashes at a football ground, different stadiums will their own policies and whether or not they allow it. Some have special memorial gardens to do this instead. Others have a book of remembrance as an alternative, like Aston Villa. Although this isn’t the same, it might be an option if you can’t get permission from the football club to scatter your loved one’s ashes there. You can get a better idea of each football club’s policy at the link below.
Saying goodbye is never easy, and not everyone is good at sharing their feelings, even with close friends and family. Finding and reading a poem for the scattering ceremony that closely resembles how you feel can be the next best thing.
On any private land you own, such as your own garden, it’s legal for you to either bury or scatter ashes.
There are many places you can sprinkle ashes, but you will need permission for some of these, such as council owned land, or private land you don’t own. If you’re ever unsure, it’s best to enquire first.
Scattering ashes in a public park usually requires permission from the local council. As a consideration to other users of the park, you should also choose a quiet part of the park at a less busy time.
This is another place where you need permission, because different golf courses will have different rules on whether they allow this, who they give permission to, and how and when it can be done. If you have some connection to the golf course you’re enquiring with, this might work in your favour.