Where to scatter ashes in Ipswich

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 several Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty surround Ipswich, there are many places for families and friends to scatter ashes, from the River Orwell to the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB, and Dedham Vale AONB.

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

You can scatter your loved one’s ashes in the River Orwell via the cruise offered by River Cruise Restaurant, which lets you say goodbye to your loved one on the water. The boat can hold 12 passengers and there are facilities for food and drink on board. You will be required to bring a biodegradable water urn for the service and not place any non-biodegradable items in the water.

The boat will depart from the Marina and head to an agreed location on the river. The captain will welcome passengers aboard, and the host will read a Psalm. You can then scatter your loved one’s ashes and place a suitable wreath in the water if you wish. Eight bells will strike and the Lord’s Prayer will be read. The boat will then make a slow 360° turn and return to the Marina. The captain can also play music of your choice during the scattering of the ashes, and additional guests can meet you at the Outlook Café, Bar & Bistro, or Fox’s at the Marina.

Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB attracts many visitors for walking, days at the beach, birdwatching, and even trips away. It is a beautiful location to scatter a loved one’s ashes. After you’ve said goodbye, you and your friends and family can enjoy a cup of coffee or a delicious pub meal overlooking the scenic countryside. 

The AONB has plenty of footpaths where you can scatter your loved one’s ashes surrounded by tranquil scenery. Dogs are allowed, but everyone must stick to the footpaths to avoid disturbing nesting birds, other wildlife, or grazing livestock.

There are many signs out on the trails, which can often get confusing. We advise you to visit AONB’s website to download guides to all the signs.

The Dedham Vale AONB and the Stour Valley provide some of the best landscapes for walking, whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll or hiking. They also inspired renowned artists such as Constable and Gainsborough and would be a beautiful place to scatter your loved one’s ashes.

As well as being beautiful and tranquil, the Stour Valley countryside is rich with historical associations. On their website, you can find a walker’s guide to this 60-mile route from Newmarket, through Dedham Vale and to Cattawade. The landscape has been shaped by both underlying geology and human development and is a fascinating window to even prehistoric times, long being an interest to archaeologists. Several digs have taken place here, and the findings of these digs can be seen in a few local heritage centres and museums. ‘Wool Churches’ also dominate the area, and you can’t miss their magnificent architecture.