Enjoy a walk through the North Wessex Downs, take in the views of the River Loddon, or stroll through the South Downs National Park to scatter your loved one’s ashes in a special place to them.
Scattering ashes in Basingstoke
For many people, scattering ashes is a deeply personal moment. It can be a really meaningful way to say goodbye and it’s important to take time to plan ahead and ensure you choose the right location for you and your loved one.
While some people choose to keep ashes at home in an urn, many people scatter ashes around natural beauty spots, usually places that have special memories attached to them.
Scattering ashes is a great way of honouring your loved ones and in the UK people are generally allowed to scatter ashes anywhere. This can be along a river, in the sea, under a tree, at the beach or even on private land.
To scatter ashes in the sea or in a river then you do not need to have permission but there are some guidelines to follow and it’s recommended you seek advice from the environmental agency. For places inland it’s generally safe, but there are guidelines in place to protect nature and permission may need to be granted from the landowner.
As Basingstoke is home to many beautiful parks and fields, there are many places for families and friends to scatter ashes, from North Wessex Downs to South Downs National Park.
Find your funeral director in Basingstoke who will help you arrange a cremation and give you ideas of a meaningful place to scatter your loved one’s ashes.
How long after a cremation do you get the ashes?
It takes between one and two weeks to receive the ashes after a cremation. With direct cremation, these are usually hand-delivered to you in a temporary urn.
But if you arrange a traditional cremation with a funeral director on the high street, you may need to collect the ashes from the crematorium or funeral home. Find out how long it takes to get cremation ashes.
North Wessex Downs
The North Wessex Downs is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty just northwest of Basingstoke. The Downs are filled with heritage, culture, outstanding views, nature reserves, and valleys that are wonderful places to scatter your loved one’s ashes.
If they spent a lot of time here, enjoyed trips to the Downs, or simply loved nature, it is a fitting place to scatter their ashes. You could walk along one of their favourite routes, climb to the top of one of the hills, or wander by some of the streams and scatter their ashes in a meaningful area.
Due to the size of the Downs, you’ll be sure to find a quiet area for more privacy. There are lots of quiet paths should you wish to avoid crowds, or you can journey off them for even more privacy. You can find plenty of moments for quiet reflection too, and a chance to say a few words before scattering your loved one’s ashes.
River Loddon
If your loved one enjoyed fishing, the open water, or playing by the river in their youth, then you can scatter their ashes in the River Loddon. Running through Berkshire and Hampshire, the river runs through Basingstoke before joining the Thames and is 28 miles long.
The river has a long history of use for milling, which gave the area its industry. If your loved one was passionate about local history, or involved in the milling industry, or simply enjoyed the river, then scattering their ashes here is fitting.
You can visit one of the quieter river banks for some privacy where you can say a few words and scatter your loved one’s ashes. No matter where you scatter them, you are sure to find an area that holds a special place in your loved one’s heart.
South Downs National Park
The South Downs National Park is a large and wonderful park that has sensational views, located just south of Basingstoke. If your loved one spent a lot of time in the park on afternoon strolls, hikes, or simply enjoying the views, then it's a great place to scatter their ashes.
The park features large rolling fields, hills, walking paths, and plenty of wildlife to enjoy. You can also find plenty of quiet spaces should you want some privacy or quiet moments of reflection when scattering your loved one’s ashes. Whether that is in a quiet field or near a stream, you can find spaces where you won’t be interrupted.
You will also find wonderful views across the river, landscape, or in the wooded areas that make wonderful places for you to scatter your loved one’s ashes. If they enjoyed being out in nature, the South Downs National Park is an excellent place to scatter their ashes.
Get your loved one’s ashes without having a funeral service
We can arrange an unattended cremation, giving you the time and freedom to put your own plans in place. Get an estimated cost
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