Where to scatter ashes in Bristol

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 Bristol is home to many beautiful places, there are many places for family and friends to scatter ashes from the River Avon to Mendip Hill and Leigh Woods. 

Find your funeral director in Bristol who will help you arrange a cremation and give you ideas of a meaningful place to scatter your loved one’s ashes. 

The River Avon runs through Bristol and the Cotswold for more than 70 miles, offering you plenty of places to visit the river and scatter your loved one’s ashes. If they spent a lot of time near the river growing up, it would be an especially fitting place to scatter their ashes. 

You can take a boat ride across the River Avon with one of many boat companies. Be sure to speak to the crew beforehand, as often the captain will stop during the journey for you to scatter your loved one’s ashes and say a few words. Larger boats will also have private areas for you to do this, giving you quiet space when needed. 

You will want to contact the provider directly for an accurate price and more information about the services they provide. If you do not wish to journey on the river, you could stand on one of the river banks or bridges and scatter your loved one’s ashes there.

Next, we have Mendip Hill, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Bristol. Featuring the lakes of the Chew Valley and steep slopes, these hills are teeming with wildflowers and wildlife that makes it a wonderful location for anyone that enjoys nature. If your loved one spent a lot of time at Mendip Hill, in nature, or simply enjoyed the outdoors, then scattering their ashes at Mendip Hill is a fitting tribute. 

The hills cover a vast area, so you won’t have to worry about privacy. There are plenty of quiet spots across the hills that you can find should you wish to scatter the ashes in private or have a quiet moment of reflection. You can journey along your loved one’s favourite routes or climb to the top of the hills and take in the breathtaking views before scattering your loved one’s ashes in an area that was special to them.

Finally, we have Leigh Woods, a National Trust reserve on the outskirts of Bristol. The woods are filled with plenty of woodland paths, walking trails, and the Avon Gorge, offering wonderful views while you scatter your loved one’s ashes. 

If they spent a lot of time at Leigh Woods, were a fan of nature, or simply enjoyed an afternoon walking through the woods, then it's a fitting place to scatter their ashes. You could walk one of their favourite routes with friends and family, scattering your loved one’s ashes somewhere of significance to them. You can also find plenty of quiet places if you want some privacy or a moment of reflection before you continue.