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.

Recently, I dealt with the sudden and tragic death and funeral of a close family member, and was upset and shocked at the news of her unexpected passing. Fortunately, Laverson were outstanding in their support and help before, during and after the funeral. They carried out the whole process with calmness, consideration and great kindness. I am extremely grateful to them for their dedication and sensitivity and I would be absolutely lost without them. Thanks especially to Carmel who was a patient and superb professional at all times. Richard Burke, Leeds, West Yorkshire

Review by Richard B left on 05 Jan 2026

Google

Levertons were outstanding to deal with; kind, caring and every attention to detail. I cannot thank them enough

Review by chris S left on 05 Jan 2026

Google

We found the funeral director exceptional helpful and knowledgeable. The service was very respectful.

Review by M OL left on 05 Jan 2026

Google

Leverton's staff have always been kind and professional. They give good advice when needed. They offer a personal service that is really appreciated when going through a difficult time like losing a loved one. They make a difficult time, dealing with difficult decisions much lighter. Thank you Leverton's - especially Julie!

Review by Brenda F left on 05 Jan 2026

Google

We were extremely grateful for the excellent support and assistance we received from Levertons. Lorna from the Kentish Town Branch made herself available to guide us and answer all our questions. As a family we felt that Levertons went the extra mile to ensure that everything was done to our satisfaction. I would highly recommend them to anyone who loses a family member. I would give them 11 out of 10 for their service.

Review by Antoinette N left on 31 Dec 2025

Google

The team at Leverton & Sons are incredible. We worked with Craig Parker who could not have been more friendly and professional. There is not one element of the service provided that we could find a fault with. We hope to not need to, of course, but if we do require funeral services again any time soon we will most certainly be working with Craig and Leverton & Sons again. Thank you very much Craig and team.

Review by Scott O left on 22 Dec 2025

TRUSTist

Drew at Leverton & Sons was a godsend. We met him amid shock and grief, unable to think clearly or know what to do, and he held our hand every step of the way. He never tried to sell—he simply listened, understood our needs, and offered guidance and information, going above and beyond. On the day of the funeral, he and his team showed immense respect and dignity, handling everything with such care. We could not have found better for such a dignified funeral and will be forever grateful. Highly recommend.

Review by Raha C left on 17 Dec 2025

Google

Excellent 5-star ratings for attentive and respectful funeral arrangements.

Review by Tracy D left on 11 Dec 2025

Google

Longstanding family firm That our family have always used excellent service they really have a good reputation and provide dignity and attention to detail. really helpful Leverton are a respected London funeral director for many years and has handled high-profile funerals.

Review by Tracey D left on 11 Dec 2025

TRUSTist

Once again, you have given my family a funeral they deserved you done my dad my brother and now my mum and throughout the care and professionalism is unbelievable, nothing was too big and they accommodated with everything highly recommended Leverton’s

Review by Guido H left on 09 Dec 2025

TRUSTist

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