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.

Very good service. Respectful, attentive and responsive, the team at Levertons helped make sure Mum's send off was everything she would have wanted

Review by Jon M left on 06 Oct 2025

Google

Deborah was unstintingly thoughtful and compassionate throughout what was a very difficult time, taking care to explain everything clearly and sensitively, and all the other members of her team I spoke to were just as considerate. I really, really cannot recommend Leverton and Sons highly enough.

Review by Richard H left on 06 Oct 2025

Google

I genuinely can't put into words how amazing Lorna and the rest of the team have been in my recent experience of arranging my father's funeral. It's the first time in my life that I've really had to engage and deal with death, let alone having to arrange a funeral after the death of a parent. Needless to say, it's been a difficult time. Lorna at the Kentish Town branch has been supportive, compassionate, sensitive, endlessly knowledgeable and, above all, patient with me during this entire time. The result has been an amazing send off for my father - one that he deserved. Funeral directors are one of those services that we hope we won't have to use again, but if the time comes, I won't hesitate to return back to Levertons. Thank you all so much.

Review by Ellis C left on 05 Oct 2025

Google

Dear lorna, as a family we have been using Levertons for around 30 years. as a family we could not have asked for a better service from you. Politeness, explaining step by step what will happen. Answering all your questions, emails and genuinely always willing to help. I personally wouldn't want to use any other funeral director... Levertons give you everything you need. Thank you Levertons

Review by T Elliott left on 03 Oct 2025

TRUSTist

This is the second time we have entrusted Leverton & Sons service, and we are so grateful for their professionalism, guidance, and kindness throughout the process. They made a very difficult time much easier for us.”

Review by Antonia D left on 03 Oct 2025

TRUSTist

This was the first time I have had to arrange a funeral for an immediate family member and I found Lorna from the Kentish Town branch both incredibly compassionate and extremely helpful in the circumstances. Lorna and Libby’s (our celebrant) guidance helped us pull together a well-received service for my late Dad. Would not hesitate to recommend or use again.

Review by Justin H left on 20 Sep 2025

Google

When my mother sadly passed away last month there was only one company that we would trust with her funeral arrangements and that was Leverton &sons. We left everything to them and they did not disappoint. A friendly, approachable and professional service from start to finish, thank you for making a sad time that bit easier.

Review by Keith O left on 18 Sep 2025

Google

We recently had a funeral with Levertons and as a family we were astonished by the impeccable service they provided. Their professionalism, support, dignity and overall knowledge was fantastic. Our family member Janet had pre paid her own funeral and this was a seamless service with no hidden fees. Deborah was so professional and polite and approachable that it made their service Ben better. Deborah's knowledge was second to none and made the whole process easier. Out family have been using Levertons for many years - over 25 years and this is why our family continues to to use their service..

Review by Siobhan C left on 03 Sep 2025

TRUSTist

I went with Leverton as I really had no idea where to start with planning a funeral, and a family member had used their services previously. Michael was enormously helpful at a very stressful time, making everything super easy for me when I had no idea how things worked. He was always at the end of an email with a quick reply whatever the question or request. On the day, the funeral service was really lovely and well run. All their arrangements went super smoothly and they accommodated whatever request we had. If you’re anything like I was (doing this for the first time, at a bit of a loss, and just wanting some kind help planning a good funeral) I highly highly recommend Leverton.

Review by Phoebe R left on 03 Sep 2025

Google

I cannot praise Leverton and Sons highly enough. The professionalism, organisation and empathy they showed in organising my mother's funeral was of the highest standard. There was incredible attention to detail and the service was flawless. A huge thank you to all involved.

Review by Christian A left on 02 Sep 2025

Google

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