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.

I used Levertons for my my husbands funeral and cannot recommend them high enough. Very professional but also caring and considerent at the same time. Very helpful at a very difficult time.

Review by Tracey L left on 23 Oct 2025

Google

James was excellent throughout the whole process from start to finish. He was kind, friendly and always willing to help whenever I had a query. Very professional service and highly recommended.

Review by LWF left on 23 Oct 2025

Google

Lovely service from start to finish. Deborah was especially considerate and helpful, would highly reccomend

Review by Holly B left on 23 Oct 2025

TRUSTist

The experience of losing a loved one is traumatic. The staff at Leverton & Sons were wonderful, and extremely helpful. They guided us through what is always a difficult process with kindness and care. Thank you.

Review by Georgia S left on 23 Oct 2025

Google

Levertons, and their funeral Director, Deborah Rush made a difficult time easy. Highly professional and understaning, they provided me an dmy family with a very high quality service and the funeral was provided in a respectful and dedicated way. Many thanks to Deborah and her team.

Review by Ed N left on 22 Oct 2025

Google

Julie at Levertons was absolutely lovely. It's a time when you're not thinking straight but Julie led us through the process of planning Mum's funeral with real patience and humour. This a great local business and I thoroughly recommend them.

Review by C a t h e r i n e Alexander left on 22 Oct 2025

Google

Carmel and the team looked after us throughout the whole process. I would definitely put my trust in them again.

Review by Anthony left on 21 Oct 2025

Google

Everything was done beautifully I don't see how it could have been done better.

Review by Mari B left on 21 Oct 2025

TRUSTist

I had never arranged a funeral before and when my brother died I made a leap of faith and chose Leverton & Sons as the funeral directors. I could not have chosen better. From the moment I spoke to Andrew Leverton I knew I was in kind and careful hands. Throughout the process from the collection of my brother from the hospital to the final service I felt supported and guided. Andrew Leverton was always available to speak to me on the phone and gave me thoughtful advice on the contents of the service, the choice of crematorium and recommended an excellent celebrant. The service for my brother was carried out with great dignity and professionalism. I would like to add special thanks to our driver for his kindness. I would recommend Leverton & Sons wholeheartedly.

Review by Juno D left on 21 Oct 2025

Google

I was very happy with Leverton's service which was all handled with great care and sensitivity, and delivered without any hiccups or stress - thank you.

Review by Oliver D left on 19 Oct 2025

Google

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