land, river or sea
You can scatter ashes by casting them into the wind from a scattering tube. Other options include scattering the ashes at a memorial garden or woodland, or scattering the ashes at the beach and letting the tide wash them away or at sea or on a river.
Ashes can be scattered by anyone, as long as they have consent from the executor of the will. It’s the executor’s responsibility to make sure the person who died is laid to rest – and this should be done following their wishes if they left any. If the person who died didn’t leave a will, it’s their next of kin’s responsibility to make sure they’re laid to rest.
If you’re scattering the ashes as part of a memorial service, you could give each guest a small amount of the ashes to scatter. This can help to make everyone feel more involved in the service, and it also gives everyone the chance to say a few words if they wish.
Our ceremony for scattering ashes at sea or on the iconic River Tyne is tailored to your means and beliefs.
scattering ashes at sea or the river
The format of any ceremony for scattering ashes at sea or on a river is really up to you. It can be very meaningful and beautiful. You’ll have access to the most beautiful spots on the River Tyne and our local coastline have to offer. We can take care of every detail and create a unique commemoration.
Whether you or a loved one lived by the sea, enjoyed sailing or just spent memorable days out by the beach, the coast has a tranquility like no other place. There’s a comforting ‘completeness’ in returning a loved one’s ashes to the sea, or the River Tyne.
You can say a unique farewell, sharing a final journey made by mariners across the centuries. You’ll have access to the most beautiful spots on the River Tyne and our local coastline have to offer.
The charter accommodates up to 12 guests and you will have ample space and time to relax, reflect and commemorate a life, well lived, before the ashes and wreathes set carefully into the water.
During the high season, from 1st May to 30th September, the cost of a half days charter to include scattering your loved ones ashes is from £250.00. The charter is for 6 passengers, however extra guests can be added for an additional cost, up to a maximum of 12 people – POA.
We offer a complimentary glass of champagne or alternative accompanied by a selection of sandwiches or a vintage afternoon tea. If preferred, families are more than welcome to bring their own refreshments aboard.
Departing from Royal Quays, after getting settled aboard and a quick safety briefing, the charter will head off down the River Tyne and explore.
You will head out of the Tyne towards Tynemouth. From there and depending on conditions, we will return and explore the River Tyne, arriving at the Millennium bridge, we will ask it to tilt, the charter will pass under the bridge and proceed to ‘scattering’ point.
The charter will last for 3.5 hours, the distance travelled is dependant on groups and timings.
Morning or afternoon charters are available from Monday to Friday, weekend trips are POA. Please ask your funeral director for more information on prices.
During the high season, from 1st May to 30th September, we offer an evening charter to scatter your loved one’s ashes. The price for this service is from £350.00 and is only available on weekdays.
The price includes a 2 hour charter with a complimentary glass of champagne or alternative. The charter is for 6 passengers however extra guests can be added for an additional cost, up to a maximum of 12 people (POA).
During the low season, from October to March, the cost of a half days charter to include scattering your loved ones ashes is from £250.00. The charter is for 6 passengers however extra guests can be added for an additional cost, up to a maximum of 12 people (POA).
We can offer a complimentary glass of champagne or alternative accompanied by a selection of sandwiches or a vintage afternoon tea. If preferred, families are more than welcome to bring their own refreshments aboard.
Departing from Royal Quays, after getting settled aboard and a quick safety briefing, the charter will head off down the River Tyne and explore.
You will head out of the Tyne towards Tynemouth. From there and depending on conditions, we will return and explore the River Tyne, arriving at the Millennium bridge, we will ask it to tilt, the charter will pass under the bridge and proceed to ‘scattering’ point.
From there and depending on conditions, you are welcome to go on and explore the River Tyne. The charter will last for 3.5 hours, therefore the distance travelled is dependant on groups and timings.
Morning or afternoon charters are available all week and weekend trips are POA. Please ask your funeral director for more information on prices.
Please note: For the safety of all involved, a charter may not take place during poor weather conditions. We endeavour to communicate this as soon as possible, however, it could be as short notice as on the day, depending on a changing forecast.
a guide to scattering ashes
When your loved one has been cremated, you’ll be given their ashes. For many people, scattering the ashes of their loved one is a way to memorialise them. Others choose to transform the ashes into something that will stay with them forever such as memorial jewellery. Whatever you choose to do with your loved one’s ashes, read our guide for inspiration and advice.
Scattering a loved one’s ashes can be a highly personal and ceremonial moment. For many, choosing somewhere that meant something to their loved one is important. Popular options include scattering ashes in a memorial garden, at a family grave, or somewhere that holds special memories, such as at sea or at the beach.
While this is a personal choice, there are also regulations to be aware of, as sometimes you’ll need to seek permission to scatter the ashes of a loved one in the location you’ve chosen.
Although there are no laws in the UK that prohibit scattering ashes in certain places, it is advisable to seek permission from the landowner beforehand. If you’re scattering ashes over land that belongs to you, a memorial garden, or a body of water, you do not need permission.
However, when scattering ashes at sea or in a river or lake, you should seek advice from the environmental agency. They will have the relevant information on specific locations or areas where you may be looking at scattering the ashes.
In some faiths, scattering ashes at sea or in a flowing river is part of the mourning process. Others are drawn to the idea of scattering ashes in water for non-religious reasons. Whilst permission from a landowner is not a consideration when scattering ashes in water, there are some environmental regulations that must be considered. These include making sure the place you choose is not near a marina or fishery and checking the site is more than 1km upstream from a reservoir or water plant.
It’s also advisable to choose a calm day for the ash scattering. This will ensure that the ashes are not accidentally caught by the wind and spread on land or water that they were not intended for.
For some, scattering ashes on private land, where family and friends can feel close to their loved one, is the right choice. This could be a patch of land that you own, or it could be your garden or property. When thinking about this option, consider that if you sell your property or land in the future, you’ll need the new owner’s permission to visit in the future.
If you choose to scatter ashes on private land that belongs to someone else, you’ll need their permission in advance.
Places that are designated as common land in the UK are available for anyone to walk on. Think village greens, council-owned playing fields, public parks, and other such common patches of land. However, even though the public are allowed to freely roam these spaces, this doesn’t mean that scattering ashes is allowed. If you’d like to scatter ashes anywhere on public land, you’ll need to gain permission from your local council first.
National Trust properties hold meaning for so many people in the UK, it’s no surprise that they are becoming a popular option for scattering ashes. Before you do, ensure you get permission from the landowner, who you should be able to get in contact with through the National Trust.
A cemetery may seem like the most obvious choice for scattering a loved one’s cremated remains. Laying them to rest with other family members or on a family grave can be a personal way to commemorate your loved ones. However, even though you will be scattering ashes and not performing a burial, you will need to make sure that you own the exclusive burial right for the grave. If this has expired, you may need to renew before going ahead. If this is not possible, another option could be to scatter ashes at a nearby garden of remembrance – always check first with the crematorium to gain permission.
If you’d like more advice on choosing where to scatter your loved one’s ashes, get in touch with one of our funeral directors today.
we are here to support
We are here to support and guide you through every detail, helping you create a fitting ceremony and celebration of life.
Everything that we do is built on empathy, choice and providing value. Our belief is that since we’re all unique, our funerals should be too.
When a death occurs we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us if you need help and advice around bereavement even if not considering us as funeral director.
Call – 0191 257 1201
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serving the community since 1790
It was in 1790, when the founder of the business, John Turnbull, began work as a cabinetmaker and undertaker on the quayside at North Shields.
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