Direct and Simple Cremations

A low- cost funeral choice - handled with dignity and respect, with or without a ceremony.

Cremation offers a flexible, cost-effective alternative to traditional burial. It is an excellent choice for those who wish to keep the funeral process simple, allowing their family to celebrate their life in their own way, when they are ready.

What's included with Leverton & Sons

Both the Simple and Direct options include:

  • Collection of the deceased - within office hours, from anywhere inside the M25.
  • Care and preparation of the body beforehand.
  • A respectful, simple coffin (the Brook coffin).
  • Transportation of the deceased to the crematorium.
  • Assistance with all of the necessary paperwork.
  • The crematorium fee

Why people choose Direct Cremation

For many families, this option brings:

  • A more affordable alternative - minimising unnecessary costs.
  • Flexibility to hold a memorial service later, at your convenience.
  • Freedom to allocate resources elsewhere - perhaps in memory of the deceased.
  • A respectful approach without ceremonial elements.

Why people don't choose Direct Cremation

Direct Cremation isn't for everyone, because it can have some disadvantages:

  • A traditional viewing or service can be a crucial part of the grieving process for some family and friends, and without these some may feel that they haven't had a proper opportunity to say goodbye or to process their grief.
  • Direct Cremation can also be difficult to explain to younger family members, who may not understand why there isn't a traditional funeral.
  • Some people may later regret not having a traditional service or viewing, even if they chose Direct Cremation for practical reasons.

It is worth remembering that you can always say goodbye in your own way to someone who has died - a personal ceremony is not dependent upon having a Direct Cremation. A 'traditional' funeral, for example, can be personalised in many ways without necessarily adding to the cost - just tell us what you want.

Local vs Online Cremation

SAIF have put together this helpful comparison sheet for Local vs Online Cremation providers to help inform you of the different services included or excluded.

Your choice

Whatever you decide to do, we're here to help you and to answer your questions.

Our Cremation Options

Direct Cremation

Direct Cremation can often be explained best as a pared-down service designed for people who do not want a ceremony and will not attend at the time of the cremation, offering the most affordable option if no mourners wish to be present at the committal.

Our unattended Direct Cremation price is £1,395.

Includes:
• In office hours removal of deceased from any place of death within the M25
• Care of the body prior to the funeral
• A simple coffin (Brook)
• Transportation of the coffin to the crematorium
• Assistance in completing all the necessary paperwork
• No attendance at the committal
• The crematorium fee
View Pricelist
The Italian Gardens in Hyde Park, London, on a peaceful autumn day

Simple Cremation

Simple Cremation is for those that want to be able to attend. The cremated remains can be returned to the family and a memorial service can be held at a later date.

Our Simple Cremation price is £2545.

Unlike many other Simple Cremation packages, this option includes the use of a hearse unless otherwise advised and allows families and loved ones to be present if they wish to pay their last respects at the committal.

The committal can take place at Golders Green, St Marylebone, Islington, or West London Crematorium. Other Crematoriums are available for an additional fee. Attendance of mourners at the committal with music if preferred (no service). Chapel time 9.30am or 10am (depending on availability) Monday to Friday.

Includes:
• In office hours removal of deceased from any place of death within the M25
• Care of the body prior to the funeral
• A simple coffin (Brook)
• Transportation of the coffin to the crematorium
• Assistance in completing all the necessary paperwork
• Attendance at the committal
• The crematorium fee
View Pricelist
A Leverton & Sons hearse carrying a coffin drives slowly through a crematorium in London, with a funeral director in formal attire walking ahead as a mark of respect

Frequently Asked Questions

Some would argue that cremation is as environmentally friendly as burial. It does still have a significant carbon footprint due to the considerable amount of energy required, but it can save precious urban and agricultural space. 

If you would like to find out more, get in touch with us. We can guide you through the processes involved so that you can make an informed decision. 

Yes, a coffin is required for cremation. It is included in our cremation plans. 

We will handle the ashes according to the wishes of the deceased. If no specific instructions are provided, the ashes can be collected from the crematorium by the Next of kin. They may be charged a storage fee. 

Yes, you can preplan your cremation. This will not only relieve your family from making difficult decisions during an emotional time but also enables your wishes to be respected. 

News & guides

A step-by-step guide to planning a funeral
Planning a funeral is one of the most meaningful and emotional responsibilities a person can undertake. During a period of grief, it can be difficult to think clearly and make decisions. That’s why having a structured guide is invaluable — it helps you navigate the process with clarity and peace of mind, while honouring the […]
Learn more
Embalming myths debunked 
When families visit our funeral home to make arrangements for their loved ones, one topic that often raises questions- and sometimes eyebrows- is embalming. The practice of embalming, despite being a routine aspect of funeral care, is surrounded by myths and misconceptions that can make it an uncomfortable discussion for some people. As a funeral […]
Learn more
Let’s talk about direct cremations
Whether it’s because of cost or circumstance, a formal ceremony may not be for everyone. There has been a noticeable movement away from the traditional funeral in recent years with many opting for a Direct Cremation. It may be due to the cost-of-living crisis or indeed the aftermath of Covid when people weren’t able to […]
Learn more

Contact Levertons

Our business hours are 9am to 5pm, so please contact the branch closest to you within these hours. Alternatively submit an enquiry using our form.

Need us now? We’re here for you
- day or night

Need immediate assistance? Please get in touch. In the case of someone dying at home, or if you need to contact us out of our regular office hours, do call us. We can arrange collection 24 hours a day.

My aunt died quite unexpectedly and although I had been to funerals organised by Levertons before this was the first time I had to arrange one myself. I was nervous about meeting my aunt’s requests but Michael at Levertons made sure everything she wanted was catered for and we all as a family were left feeling completely safe and confident that my aunts requests were being met. On the day of the funeral everyone from Levertons was professional extremely polite and respectful. Grief is personal and organising a funeral can be daunting but Levertons gave us a highly professional service while also showing kindness and compassion at an extremely difficult time. This was something as a family we are all very grateful for

Review by Joanna R left on 01 Feb 2026

Google

Levertons conducted the funeral for my late mother and shortly afterwards one for my late father. Mr Drew Rush from their Golders Green office was exceptional helpful: quietly explaining the decisions needed to my father, me and my siblings, allowing us the time to work through the logistics and helping us to hold a lovely set of services. No level of strange request seemed to phase him, and he was exceptionally resourceful. The organisation on the days was exemplary. I would wholeheartedly recommend Levertons.

Review by jamie c left on 31 Jan 2026

Google

Levertons conducted the funeral for my late mother and shortly afterwards one for my late father. Mr Drew Rush from their Golders Green office was exceptional helpful: quietly explaining the decisions needed to my father, me and my siblings, allowing us the time to work through the logistics and helping us to hold a lovely set of services. No level of strange request seemed to phase him, and he was exceptionally resourceful. The organisation on the days was exemplary. I would wholeheartedly recommend Levertons.

Review by Jamie C left on 31 Jan 2026

TRUSTist

Mark at Levertons helped me with every detail of creating a wonderful service for the late Rajesh (Kiki). I felt nothing was too much trouble and the attention to detail was excellent. Communication and compassion was just what I needed during this difficult time. Thank you Mark for understanding and being so kind.

Review by Sally W left on 30 Jan 2026

Google

Craig and Levertons were absolutely marvellous from start to finish. Can't rate them highly enough. Thank You.

Review by Sue W left on 30 Jan 2026

Google

My aunt died quite unexpectedly and although I had been to funerals organised by Levertons before this was the first time I had to arrange one myself. I was nervous about meeting my aunt’s requests but Michael at Levertons made sure everything she wanted was catered for and we all as a family were left feeling completely safe and confident that my aunts requests were being met. On the day of the funeral everyone from Levertons was professional extremely polite and respectful. Grief is personal and organising a funeral can be daunting but Levertons gave us a highly professional service while also showing kindness and compassion at an extremely difficult time. This was something as a family we are all very grateful for

Review by Joanna R left on 30 Jan 2026

TRUSTist

My cousins (who had flown over from New Zealand) and I (just landed from Australia) had the tough job of organising a funeral and cremation service for our late Aunt, who had lived in London for over twenty years. From the very first meeting, Deborah, Alison, Samantha and the whole team at Laverton & Sons have been so kind, understanding and helpful. They took care of tiny details and made what could have been an overwhelming process so much easier for us. We felt completely supported throughout, and we’re so grateful for the compassion and care they showed our family. I have no hesitation in recommending the Muswell Hill team for Laverton & Sons.

Review by Simon C left on 30 Jan 2026

Google

The staff were compassionate, professional, and handled everything with great care. We’re very grateful for their support during such a difficult time.”

Review by Dawn W left on 29 Jan 2026

TRUSTist

A super service which gave my sister a wonderful 'goodbye'. The Levertons team made a challenging emotional event a respectful, but uplifting experience. The webcam of the service was perfect for Sue's friends who could not be present. I recommend the Leverton team.

Review by Peter B left on 26 Jan 2026

TRUSTist

I had an unattended cremation, but the staff at the Belsize Park office were very kind and helpful

Review by mary T left on 26 Jan 2026

TRUSTist

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