Sunderland Crematorium

COVID-19 UPDATE

Due to the current restriction on public gatherings and non-essential travel, funeral services will now be streamed live from Sunderland Crematorium. The introduction of the webcam at services will allow more bereaved people to pay their respects during the current lockdown.

Access arrangements for services can be booked through funeral directors with viewing options including live web-streaming, 28 day viewings and downloadable options. There are no limits on the number of people viewing.

Sadly, due to the current government restrictions on public gatherings visits to the Hall of Remembrance is restricted for private appointments only.

Sunderland Crematorium is owned and operated by Sunderland City Council. 

The Chapel is located within the peaceful setting of Bishopwearmouth Cemetery.

Construction started in 1937, but the project was suspended before the roof was put on when World War II broke out, the building was eventually completed in 1951.

Service times

Services are held Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Services are usually scheduled every 30 minutes, but arrangements can be made for a longer service if required. The order of service is displayed on the screen in the waiting room and also at the entrance to the chapel.

The chapel seats 56 with capacity for 30 standing. A waiting area is available with broadcasted services on request. Public toilets and reception areas are also available.

Facilities in our grounds

We have a number of facilities within our grounds to ensure that all our visitors are comfortable. These include:

• Car parking with 2 additional disabled parking bays by the main entrance
• Public toilets in the Waiting Room
• Hall of Remembrance
• Book of Remembrance
• Garden of Remembrance

Floral tributes

A single floral tribute may be left on the anniversary of the death of a loved one in the Hall of Remembrance and Garden of Remembrance.

Tributes should be cut flowers only, any plants, balloons, wind chimes, cards, pictures, flags or any similar items will be removed. Floral tributes left within the Hall of Remembrance may be used in the chapel and other areas of the crematorium and during particularly busy periods, may be moved to other areas within the building.

Remembering a loved one

When a loved one has passed away, families may wish to arrange to have a lasting memorial to commemorate and remember them. A memorial can also be used as a place of peace and reflection when families and friends wish to remember a loved one.

We offer a range of memorials that can be installed at the crematorium, a number of our cemeteries or in identified parks and open spaces.