Unique wake venues in Bournemouth

A wake is an informal event that traditionally takes place after a funeral service and cremation or burial. It’s usually an informal event that involves family and friends gathering to share memories and celebrate the life of their loved one.

Traditionally, wakes would take place at someone’s home, or a community centre or pub, but they can take place anywhere. The people organising the wake may want to honour their loved one by holding the wake at a place that was special to them, such as at the grounds of their favourite football team, for example. 

Also, although wakes usually take place directly after the funeral service, they can be held at any time. They can also be as structured or as informal as the organiser would like. Wake organisers have the freedom to host the event that’s right for them, their family and friends, and their loved one.

If you’re organising a wake in Bournemouth, there are plenty of unique venues where you can host the event in your way, from a walk through the Russell Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, enjoy the views at Bournemouth Parks Lower Gardens, or walk and enjoy time at Bournemouth Beach.

Find your funeral director in Bournemouth who will help you arrange a cremation and give you ideas for a wake, memorial or reception that’s right for you. 

If your loved one enjoyed history and art, then what better place to celebrate their life than at the Russell Cotes Art Gallery and Museum. Home to the Century of British Art exhibition, the gallery and the museum is the ideal place to soak up some culture. Why not visit some of your loved one’s favourite paintings and share memories about your time together?

You could also pay a visit to the cafe where you and your loved one’s friends and family can enjoy food, drinks, and honour your loved one. There is also the option of hiring out private function rooms for some privacy. For accurate prices and availability, be sure to contact the museum for more information. 

If your loved one enjoyed nature, then why not celebrate their life in the Lower Gardens of Bournemouth Park? The Grade II listed gardens offer outstanding floral displays and are packed with different activities. They offer serenity in the bustling town and a place for you to celebrate your loved one’s life. 

Take a walk through some of their favourite parts of the garden, reminiscing about your time spent here together. You could also take a picnic for you and your loved one’s friends and family to enjoy while you celebrate their life. Be sure to check the weather beforehand to avoid any issues on the day. 

During the summertime, there is an art exhibition for you to walk through, or in the winter there is a Christmas Tree Wonderland. These walks can be fantastic ways to celebrate the life of your loved ones, especially if that time of year was meaningful to them.

Make sure you have plenty of blankets and chairs with you to ensure that everyone at the wake can be comfortable. 

If your loved one enjoyed the beach, then celebrating their life on Bournemouth Beach can be a fitting tribute. The large beach is ideal for long walks, a picnic, or even a dip in the sea. You can also take a walk along Bournemouth’s famous Pier and look out at the view ahead. For those loved ones that enjoyed the sea or spent their time on the beach, there is no better place for a unique wake. 

There is ample parking nearby for friends and family and plenty of facilities so you will not need to cut your wake short. Why not take your loved one’s favourite food and drinks and have a picnic with your friends and family? This could be a lovely way for you all to celebrate your loved one’s life and grieve together. 

It’s best to check the weather and tide forecast before making your way to the beach to avoid any issues. Alternatively, you can walk along the pier, enjoy your picnic there and look out at one of your loved one’s favourite views.