
Colchester Cemetery and War Graves
A place of solemn remembrance and compassionate support, offering peaceful grounds and dedicated staff to guide families through difficult times.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer services, more staff availability

Colchester Cemetery and War Graves
Best Time
Fewer services, more staff availability

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A place of solemn remembrance and compassionate support, offering peaceful grounds and dedicated staff to guide families through difficult times.
"Susi Long and her team offer exceptional kindness and efficiency, making difficult times more bearable."

🤝 Compassionate Staff
Susi Long and her team offer exceptional kindness and efficiency. :heart:
⏰ Book Wake Venue Wisely
Consider venues like The Princess Charlotte pub for its garden room and good acoustics. :champagne_glass:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Secluded Garden Memorials
Colchester Crematorium
Beautifully maintained gardens offer a peaceful and private space for remembering loved ones.

Compassionate Bereavement Support
Colchester Crematorium
Staff like Susi Long provide exceptional kindness and efficiency in locating plots and assisting families.

Simple and Beautiful Goodbyes
Colchester Crematorium
Services are described as wonderful, simple, and beautiful, with personalized touches and no feeling of being rushed.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Grief with Compassion
Service and Wake Logistics
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤝 Compassionate Staff
Susi Long and her team offer exceptional kindness and efficiency. :heart:
⏰ Book Wake Venue Wisely
Consider venues like The Princess Charlotte pub for its garden room and good acoustics. :champagne_glass:
🕊️ Dignified Departures
While services are generally smooth, be mindful of potential traffic flow issues on exit. :car:
📞 Clear Communication
If arranging ash collection, ensure clear and polite communication is maintained. :telephone_receiver:
Tips
from all over the internet
🤝 Compassionate Staff
Susi Long and her team offer exceptional kindness and efficiency. :heart:
⏰ Book Wake Venue Wisely
Consider venues like The Princess Charlotte pub for its garden room and good acoustics. :champagne_glass:
🕊️ Dignified Departures
While services are generally smooth, be mindful of potential traffic flow issues on exit. :car:
📞 Clear Communication
If arranging ash collection, ensure clear and polite communication is maintained. :telephone_receiver:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Colchester Crematorium and Cemetery is widely praised for its compassionate and efficient staff, particularly Susi Long, who provides invaluable support during difficult times. Services are described as beautiful and personalized, with ample time for reflection. However, some guests have experienced less positive interactions regarding wake venue recommendations and post-service communication.
"I wish to reflect the thoughts of the most recent post below.
Susi Long has also been amazing for my journey too. She helped me so much to make a decision about my mother’s memorial in the secluded garden. Nothing was too much trouble and Susi was with me with patience, kindness and compassion throughout my journey; in person and emails.
We now have a beautiful memorial for my mother and for my girls’ Omi. It’s perfect in every way. Thank you so much Susi."
Carol McLeod
"Used the crematorium last week. All was satisfactory. When booking we informed them that the funeral wake is going to be held at The Princess Charlotte pub in Stanway. They advised against it as apparently the pub has bad acoustics . Anyway we did book the Princess Charlotte as we like it there. They have beautiful private garden room available, they do food , drinks, teas and coffee and no bad acoustics. The crematorium clearly wanted us to use their facilities which is a bit naughty."
m kk
"My sister passed away 48 years ago, I didn't know where she was buried, a week ago I emailed Colchester Crematorium and within 40 minutes I had a reply back from a lovely lady named Susie Long, Colchester Bereavements Supervisor , she had located my sisters plot, we wrote back and forth and yesterday 18th March 2025, I got to meet with Susie in person and she took me and my mum to my sisters resting place. This lady is amazing, lovely and a credit to Colchester Crematorium, nothing was too much for her, and we was so overwhelmed with happiness and also sadness to be able to be with my sister and mum's daughter after such a long hard time. Thank you Susie 😊"
Tracey Morgan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Colchester Crematorium is located on Weathersfield Road, Colchester, CO3 4JU. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transport options may include local bus routes; it's advisable to check with local transport providers for the most up-to-date information on routes and schedules.
Yes, there is parking available at Colchester Crematorium for visitors attending services or visiting graves.
The cemetery grounds are generally accessible for visits, though specific opening hours for the main gates or administrative buildings should be confirmed. Visitors often find the grounds peaceful for quiet reflection.
From Colchester town center, head towards the A137 (Wethersfield Road). The crematorium is clearly signposted from the main road. GPS navigation systems are also reliable for reaching the location.
Information on specific bus routes serving the crematorium can be found on local transport authority websites. It's recommended to plan your journey in advance if relying on public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, tickets are not required to visit Colchester Cemetery. It is a public space for remembrance and reflection.
The grounds are typically open during daylight hours for visitors. For specific office or chapel hours, it's best to contact the crematorium directly.
Funeral services are booked through funeral directors. They will liaise with the crematorium to arrange a suitable date and time.
There is no fee for visiting the cemetery. Costs are associated with services, cremations, and memorial placements.
Yes, the secluded garden is a popular option for memorials. Staff like Susi Long can assist with arrangements and decisions.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
The atmosphere is generally described as peaceful, respectful, and supportive. Staff are noted for their compassion, especially during difficult times.
While the crematorium may suggest their own facilities, many choose external venues. The Princess Charlotte pub is mentioned as a good option with a private garden room.
Yes, personal music choices are accommodated and played out perfectly, contributing to a personalized and meaningful service.
There are covered areas, such as under the canopy, allowing families time to gather and speak with loved ones after the service, even in inclement weather.
Services are described as not feeling rushed, with ample time allowed for reflection and gathering after the ceremony.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The crematorium may offer facilities for wakes, but many visitors opt for external venues. The Princess Charlotte pub is a recommended alternative with food and drink options.
Yes, venues like The Princess Charlotte pub offer catering, including food, drinks, teas, and coffee for wake gatherings.
Venues like The Princess Charlotte pub provide a range of options, including meals, snacks, and beverages, suitable for post-funeral gatherings.
Yes, The Princess Charlotte pub offers a beautiful private garden room, which can be ideal for a more intimate wake.
It's best to confirm with the chosen wake venue. However, venues that offer catering typically prefer guests to use their services.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal remembrance is generally permitted in cemeteries, but it's always respectful to be discreet and mindful of ongoing services or private moments.
Yes, you can take photos of memorials for personal use. If you plan to use them for commercial purposes, you may need to seek permission.
Areas where services are actively taking place or private family moments are occurring should be avoided for photography.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light, which can be ideal for photography. The grounds are generally peaceful during these times.
Drone usage is typically restricted in cemeteries and crematoriums due to privacy and safety concerns. It's essential to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Children
When planning a wake, consider venues like The Princess Charlotte pub, which offers a garden room that might be more accommodating for younger attendees. The focus should be on creating a supportive atmosphere where children can process their emotions in a comfortable setting.
🕊️ Those Seeking Memorials
Whether you are looking to locate an existing grave or establish a new memorial, the team is dedicated to providing support and guidance. The emphasis is on creating a lasting tribute that brings comfort and a sense of connection.
👥 Funeral Directors
When advising clients on wake venues, it's worth noting the positive feedback for The Princess Charlotte pub, which offers a well-equipped private space. This allows directors to offer comprehensive recommendations that cater to all aspects of the funeral service, from the ceremony to the post-service gathering.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Role of Susi Long and Bereavement Support
Beyond administrative tasks, Susi and her team offer a crucial emotional anchor. They guide families through decisions about memorials, ensuring that the final resting place is a fitting tribute. The positive impact of such empathetic service cannot be overstated, providing solace and a sense of being cared for during one of life's most challenging periods. This community-backed insight underscores the importance of human connection in funeral services.
Planning Your Wake: Beyond the Crematorium
This pub also provides food, drinks, teas, and coffee, catering to the needs of attendees. Importantly, reviewers note that it does not suffer from the 'bad acoustics' that were reportedly mentioned by the crematorium staff as a reason to avoid it. This suggests that while the crematorium might steer visitors towards their own services, exploring independent options like The Princess Charlotte can lead to a more satisfying wake experience.
Ensuring a Dignified Funeral Service
Even in challenging weather, such as rain, families are given adequate time under canopies to connect with loved ones after the service, ensuring no one feels rushed. However, one reviewer noted a less dignified experience where a funeral cortege had to reverse due to an incoming service, highlighting a potential logistical issue. Additionally, a subsequent phone call regarding ash collection was described as abrupt and impolite, indicating that while the service itself is often excellent, customer service in other areas can sometimes fall short.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit