Leicestershire · England
Crematoriums in Leicester
2 crematoriums in Leicester. Each page lists nearby funeral wake venues within 10 miles, so you can find somewhere within easy reach of the service.
Leicester, the county town of Leicestershire, serves families across the East Midlands with two principal crematoriums. Gilroes Crematorium sits on the northern outskirts of the city, whilst Great Glen Crematorium lies to the south-east in the village of Great Glen, offering a more rural setting approximately six miles from Leicester's centre. Both facilities provide peaceful environments for families to say their farewells, with their distinct locations allowing you to choose what feels most appropriate for your loved one's service.
The city's compact nature means that most wake venues are within fifteen to twenty minutes of either crematorium, though traffic through Leicester's busy centre can extend journey times during peak hours. Many families find it helpful to consider venues along the outer ring roads or in the quieter suburbs, which often offer better parking whilst remaining easily accessible for guests travelling from across Leicestershire and neighbouring counties. Leicester's strong community spirit and abundance of venues, from traditional halls to hotel function rooms, means you'll find welcoming spaces where family and friends can gather to share memories and support one another.
Wake venues in and around Leicester
All venues in Leicester
Leicester Tigers Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium
Leicester, Leicestershire
Up to 900 guests
Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium offers a distinctive and welcoming setting for wakes and celebrations of life in the heart of Leicester. Home to the…
Rothley Court Hotel
Leicester, Leicestershire
Up to 200 guests
Rothley Court Hotel is a historic 16th-century manor house set within attractive grounds in Rothley, with features including a medieval chapel, landscaped gardens, oak-panelled interiors…
The Woodlands at Hothorpe
Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Up to 180 guests
A calm, contemporary retreat set within woodland and open countryside, The Woodlands offers privacy, space, and a warm team to support family.
Arranging a wake in Leicester
Common questions
Great Glen Crematorium would typically be the more convenient choice for families in Oadby, Wigston, and the southern parts of Leicester. It's generally a shorter journey from these areas compared to Gilroes Crematorium, which serves the northern parts of the city. The location makes it easier for elderly relatives or those travelling from the south Leicestershire villages to attend without navigating through Leicester's city centre traffic.
Gilroes Crematorium is situated in a more residential area, so there aren't many commercial venues immediately adjacent. Most families find it practical to arrange transport to nearby areas like Anstey or the Beaumont Leys district, where you'll find community halls and pubs suitable for wakes. Alternatively, many choose venues closer to Leicester city centre, though this requires a short car journey for guests.
It's wise to allow at least a week to ten days when booking crematorium services in Leicester, though this can extend during busy periods. Winter months, particularly around Christmas and New Year, tend to see higher demand. Both Gilroes and Great Glen crematoriums serve a large catchment area including surrounding Leicestershire villages, so booking promptly after registering the death helps secure your preferred date and time.
Leicester city centre offers several advantages for families using either crematorium, as it's reasonably accessible from both locations. The Cultural Quarter and areas around the cathedral provide various options from hotel function rooms to community spaces. Many families find city centre venues work well when guests are travelling from different parts of Leicestershire, as there are good transport links and parking facilities, though you should consider booking parking in advance.
The Belgrave and Rushey Mead areas do offer some practical options relatively close to Gilroes Crematorium. You'll find community centres, Sikh temples that hire their halls, and local pubs that can accommodate funeral gatherings. These venues often provide good value and understand the needs of bereaved families. The proximity means less travel time for guests, which can be particularly helpful for elderly attendees or those without their own transport.