City of London Cemetery and Crematorium
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Colchester Cemetery and War Graves

4.3
·36 reviews·, United Kingdom

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer services, more staff availability

CrowdLow
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City of London Cemetery and Crematorium

Colchester Cemetery and War Graves

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer services, more staff availability

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.3
(36 reviews)

"Susi Long and her team offer exceptional kindness and efficiency, making difficult times more bearable."

Vertical photo
TIP

🤝 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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Secluded Garden Memorials

Secluded Garden Memorials

Colchester Crematorium

Beautifully maintained gardens offer a peaceful and private space for remembering loved ones.

Compassionate Bereavement Support

Compassionate Bereavement Support

Colchester Crematorium

Staff like Susi Long provide exceptional kindness and efficiency in locating plots and assisting families.

Simple and Beautiful Goodbyes

Simple and Beautiful Goodbyes

Colchester Crematorium

Services are described as wonderful, simple, and beautiful, with personalized touches and no feeling of being rushed.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Grief with Compassion

Colchester Crematorium and Cemetery staff, particularly Susi Long, are frequently praised for their kindness and patience during difficult times. They assist with memorial decisions and locating loved ones' resting places, offering a supportive presence.

Service and Wake Logistics

While the crematorium facilities are generally satisfactory, be aware of potential recommendations for their own wake facilities. Travelers have noted instances where alternative venues were subtly discouraged.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer services, more staff availability
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon appointments
Why
Allows for reflection post-service
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

colchester castle is so horrific 💀 and when is larry the dog paranormal investigator going to start pulling his weight?? #fyp #spookystories #ghosts #darkhistory #historytok #colchester #DidYouKnow #spookyhistory
@shiverdarkhistory
22.1K likes • 174.4K views

🤝 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:

A hidden gem located in Colchester #judithbarge #colchester
@kym.rhys
4.3K likes • 136.2K views
Police in Colchester are still working to piece together a crash that left a Vermont man dead. Investigators say Michael Pickering, 52, of Colchester, was walking in the middle of the road on Malletts Bay Avenue Saturday night just before 9 p.m. when he was hit and killed by a 16-year-old driver. Visit our website for the full story, where you can hear more from the Colchester Police Chief and res...
@wcax
2.1K likes • 35.3K views

🕊️ 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:

Combined bands of the Coldstream, Irish and Welsh Guards playing the march Colchester Castle as they leave Wellington Barracks for the Brigade Major’s Review. (May 2025) #fyp #militaryband #marchingband #band #military #armedforces #london #householddivision #wellingtonbarracks #birdcagewalk #coldstreamguards #irishguards #welshguards #guardsdivision #colchestercastle #march #brigademajorsreview #...
@mrbaton74
1.3K likes • 32.9K views

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

4.3
(36 reviews)

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

Exceptional staff kindness
Efficient plot location
Beautiful, personalized services

What People Dislike

Wake venue steering
Abrupt phone calls

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

The grounds are typically open during daylight hours for visitors. For specific office or chapel hours, it's best to contact the crematorium directly. Reddit

Funeral services are booked through funeral directors. They will liaise with the crematorium to arrange a suitable date and time. Reddit

There is no fee for visiting the cemetery. Costs are associated with services, cremations, and memorial placements. Reddit

Yes, the secluded garden is a popular option for memorials. Staff like Susi Long can assist with arrangements and decisions. Reddit

🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience

The atmosphere is generally described as peaceful, respectful, and supportive. Staff are noted for their compassion, especially during difficult times. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, personal music choices are accommodated and played out perfectly, contributing to a personalized and meaningful service. Reddit

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. Reddit

Services are described as not feeling rushed, with ample time allowed for reflection and gathering after the ceremony. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

Yes, venues like The Princess Charlotte pub offer catering, including food, drinks, teas, and coffee for wake gatherings. Reddit

Venues like The Princess Charlotte pub provide a range of options, including meals, snacks, and beverages, suitable for post-funeral gatherings. Reddit

Yes, The Princess Charlotte pub offers a beautiful private garden room, which can be ideal for a more intimate wake. Reddit

It's best to confirm with the chosen wake venue. However, venues that offer catering typically prefer guests to use their services. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Areas where services are actively taking place or private family moments are occurring should be avoided for photography. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light, which can be ideal for photography. The grounds are generally peaceful during these times. Reddit

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Children

For families, Colchester Crematorium and Cemetery offers a peaceful environment for remembrance. The secluded gardens provide a calm space for children to reflect alongside adults. While the primary purpose is solemn, the grounds themselves are well-maintained and can offer a sense of tranquility. Reddit

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. Reddit

🕊️ Those Seeking Memorials

Colchester Crematorium is highly regarded for its memorial options, particularly in the secluded garden areas. Staff like Susi Long are instrumental in helping individuals choose and place meaningful memorials for their loved ones. The process is described as patient and compassionate, ensuring that the memorial perfectly reflects the person being remembered. Reddit

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. Reddit

👥 Funeral Directors

Colchester Crematorium is a venue that funeral directors can rely on for professional and compassionate service delivery. The staff's efficiency in handling arrangements and their empathetic approach to bereaved families are key strengths. Reddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Role of Susi Long and Bereavement Support

Colchester Crematorium and Cemetery has received significant praise for its compassionate staff, with Susi Long, the Bereavements Supervisor, being frequently highlighted. Her ability to swiftly locate burial plots, even after many years, has been invaluable to grieving families. Travelers have shared deeply emotional accounts of Susi's patience, kindness, and dedication, which have made a profound difference during their journeys of remembrance. This level of personal support transforms a potentially stressful administrative process into a more comforting and dignified experience. Reddit

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. Reddit

Planning Your Wake: Beyond the Crematorium

While Colchester Crematorium may suggest their own facilities for post-service gatherings, many visitors have found external venues to be more suitable. The Princess Charlotte pub in Stanway is frequently mentioned as a positive alternative. It offers a beautiful private garden room, which provides a more intimate and comfortable setting for friends and family to gather. Reddit

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. Reddit

Ensuring a Dignified Funeral Service

The funeral services at Colchester Crematorium are consistently described as wonderful, simple, and beautiful. The team, including individuals like Penny, are commended for their assistance in planning services that perfectly blend engagement, humor, warmth, and reverence. The ability to play a personalized list of songs is a key feature that allows families to imbue the service with personal meaning. Reddit

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. Reddit

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