Find out where and how you can scatter ashes in Leeds.
Scattering ashes in Leeds
For many people, scattering ashes is a deeply personal moment. It can be a 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, as long as you get permission from the land owner. There are guidelines in place to protect nature, so you'll need permission if you are considering scattering ashes in places including parks, commons, beaches, private farmland and churchyards.
If you choose 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.
Find your funeral director in Leeds who will help you arrange a cremation and give you ideas of a meaningful place to scatter your loved one’s ashes.
A direct cremation is a cremation without a funeral
If you’d rather not have a funeral service at the crematorium, the crematorium staff can collect the body, carry out the cremation, and then return the ashes to you. Crematorium workers call this a direct or ‘unattended cremation’.
Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales is a stunning area of open green space, filled with lush dales, wonderful hills, and heather-covered moors. It’s a popular spot for those that enjoy walking the countryside.
If they enjoyed the outdoors, walking in the countryside, or spending their time at the Yorkshire Dales, it could be a fitting place to scatter their ashes.
The National Trust, who look after a portion of the Yorkshire Dales say that they usually do not allow the scattering of ashes due to the delicate natural habitats, and much of their land being within a farm tenancy. They invite you to contact them to discuss this first.
If the you are considering scattering the ashes on land that is privately owned, we always recommend contacting the landowner to talk it through. That way, you can agree on a place that will remain undisturbed.
River Aire
The River Aire flows through Yorkshire, and Leeds sits on the river as its principal city, meaning you will not have to travel far to scatter your loved one’s ashes here. If they enjoyed the river or spent time near it growing up, it is an excellent spot.
You can journey to one of the river's many banks to scatter the ashes with friends and family present, or you could scatter the ashes from one of the many bridges that sit across the river.
The river runs throughout Leeds and all of Yorkshire, offering plenty of spots for you to have a private moment of reflection.
Local parks in Leeds
The scattering of ashes is not permitted in Leeds parks, including Roundhay Park and the gardens at Tropical World. As the parks and grounds are carefully maintained they cannot guarantee that the ashes will remain undisturbed.
As an alternative, they do offer a memorial bench scheme for families looking for a lasting tribute in a public space. If your loved one enjoyed afternoons at the park or was passionate about wildlife, it’s an excellent alternative, and can provide a place for quiet moments of reflection in the future. Contact Leeds City Council for more information.
Direct cremations from Farewill
We take care of the cremation and hand-deliver your loved one's ashes, so you can arrange a personal memorial that’s right for you and your family. Get an estimated cost today.
Cemeteries and crematoria
Some cemeteries and crematoria in Leeds allow you to scatter ashes in their gardens of remembrance. These are peaceful, restful places where the ashes will not be disturbed. Contact the Bereavement Services Office at Farnley Hall to find out more or talk to your local funeral director. If your loved one had a special connection to Leeds but was not cremated there, scattering the ashes in a garden of remembrance is still an option, although there will be a small charge, and you will need to show the Cremation Certificate.
Article reviewed