After a Death in Dorset | Funeral Directors & Support | Funeral Directory

Dorset

Bereavement support & funeral directors

If someone has died in the Dorset area, this page will help you understand what to do next, find a trusted funeral director, and access free support tools.

What to do after a death

1

Register the death

This must be done within 5 days (8 in Scotland). Contact your local register office to book an appointment.

2

Choose a funeral director

Pick from vetted, NAFD-accredited directors in your area. They'll guide you through everything.

3

Arrange the funeral

Your funeral director will help plan the service, handle paperwork, and take care of practical details.

4

Sort out the estate

You may need probate. Use our free checker to find out, or speak to a specialist for advice.

Need more detail? Our step-by-step guides cover everything from costs to what happens on the day.

Funeral directors near Dorset

All NAFD-accredited with verified Google reviews

Grassby Funeral Service logo

1. Grassby Funeral Service

7.9 miles away

5
(10 reviews)
NAFD Verified
Burial Cremation

“Have had to use their services 3 times in the last 10 years and have made sure that they get to arrange my funeral when I pop my clogs.” — Shep S.

“They were patient when we dithered over making decisions and calmly and efficiently dealt with unusual requests. Everything went seamlessly from the first contact to the delivery of the ashes.” — Jan Z.

Co-op Funeralcare logo

2. Co-op Funeralcare

8.0 miles away

5
(19 reviews)
NAFD Verified
Burial Cremation

“They are really accommodating and friendly.” — Ryan R.

“The staff were so friendly and welcoming, wonderful service and a very calm atmosphere.” — Leah P.

Grassby and Close Funeral Service logo

3. Grassby and Close Funeral Service

8.1 miles away

5
(4 reviews)
NAFD Verified
Burial Cremation

“We recently used Grassby and were very pleased with the excellent and professional service we received, and would fully recommend.” — Ben C.

“Maxine and her team were amazing from the day my husband passed away all the way through this heartbreaking process.” — Julia P.

Matthew Lucas Funeral Directors logo

4. Matthew Lucas Funeral Directors

8.7 miles away

4.9
(41 reviews)
NAFD Verified
Burial from £3073 Cremation from £1575
Matthew Lucas Matthew Lucas Matthew Lucas Matthew Lucas

Meet Matthew, Matthew, Matthew +1

“Matt has been amazing, helpful and supportive. They make the process so much easier and as pleasant as it can be.” — Rebecca B.

“They guided us through the entire process with care and understanding, making something so overwhelming feel much more manageable. We are truly grateful for their kindness and dedication, and we couldn't have asked for better people to help us through this.” — Dan A.

Lesley Shand Funeral Service logo

5. Lesley Shand Funeral Service

8.9 miles away

5
(9 reviews)
NAFD Verified
Burial from £2049 Cremation from £1300

“I cannot imagine how much she pours into her work — she deserves a million holidays. Thank you Kathryn, there aren't words to describe what an amazing support and friend you were through this difficult time.” — Carrie

“Kathryn and all the staff at Lesley Shand were brilliant, professional and compassionate. I have no doubt that they tailor each funeral to each set of circumstances.” — john s.

Colin J Close Funeral Service logo

6. Colin J Close Funeral Service

9.1 miles away

4.2
(5 reviews)
NAFD Verified
Burial Cremation

“Affordable funeral service and easy to arrange. Very pleased.” — polarccc

“We have been very happy with Colin Close and his company over many years for several members of our family.” — Philip B.

7. A J Wakely and Sons Ltd

11.7 miles away

NAFD Verified
Burial Cremation

“With the new Government rules on no more than 10 people in attendance, funerals have to be quieter and smaller.” — Becky H.

Bracher Brothers Ltd logo

8. Bracher Brothers Ltd

11.9 miles away

5
(7 reviews)
NAFD Verified
Burial Cremation

“Made a very difficult time much easier by providing a friendly and reliable service.” — Luke K.

“The team are very knowledgeable, compassionate and understanding about their role and supportive of the local community.” — Paul P.

Albert Marsh logo

9. Albert Marsh

13.8 miles away

4
(4 reviews)
NAFD Verified
Burial from £2049 Cremation from £1300

“Jonathan Stretch came round our house several times to assist with planning, took on the adverts, website, funeral service and donations aspects, helping us all at a very difficult time.” — Tom B.

“Gemma was very approachable, displayed genuine care and compassion and was easy to talk to at a very difficult time.” — Simon B.

Harbour View Crematorium, Funeral Home and Woodland Burial Ground logo
4.7
(94 reviews)
NAFD Verified
Burial Cremation

“Your friendly help and guidance was fantastic and much appreciated. You made it very personal and a true celebration of Dad's life.” — Stuart S.

“Losing a loved one is never easy but the care and support we received from the moment we walked through the doors — the staff were compassionate, attentive, and truly dedicated to helping us honour Helen's life with dignity and respect. They handled every detail with professionalism and kindness, ensuring that the service reflected who she was.” — Gerry C.

Grassby and Stockting Funeral Service logo

11. Grassby and Stockting Funeral Service

14.4 miles away

5
(2 reviews)
NAFD Verified
Burial Cremation

“Terry was brilliant. They managed to allow us to personalise everything and considered all of our requests throughout. I would not hesitate in recommending them in the future.” — RIK S.

“What an amazing team, more like a family that make you feel welcome and nothing is too much. They all went above and beyond for my son and our wishes. Words don't even reach it for me.” — Stephanie B.

12. Cotton and Son Ltd

14.7 miles away

5
(8 reviews)
NAFD Verified
Burial Cremation

“Their professionalism and attention to detail made the task so much more bearable. We could say our final farewell knowing that she would have whole heartedly approved.” — Mandy L.

“Jane Cotton and her staff were fantastic. If you want a caring, personal service they were perfect.” — matthew w.

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Towns and cities in Dorset

What families are saying

Real 5-star reviews from Google, updated regularly

    5

    The most difficult time made so easy with the support and compassion of Jo and Joy who nursed me through every step of mum’s final journey. They listened and responded and ensure…

    Lisa Sharratt via Google
    5

    Absolutely amazing service. I cannot thank Alex and Kelly enough for their support, understanding and empathy throughout the whole process. I wholeheartedly recommend their servic…

    Jessics Lees via Google
    3 weeks ago
    5

    WCP from the moment of our first meeting were more than helpful and considerate in planning my father‘s funeral. The professionalism and personal service they provided made a very…

    Michelle Cullen via Google
    5

    A big Thank you to Denise and Her team!! They really Helped to organise and support us through the hard times Of a close loved ones funeral plans. They cared Deeply and made sure…

    Hadesri R via Google
    5

    It's taken a while to find the words. Although I have known Antony and Greg for many years having someone look after and care for my darling mum(94) like I have was a huge ask. Th…

    Chris Bracken via Google
    2 weeks ago
    5

    Highly recommend Adkinson. From the moment we enquired we knew they were who we’d choose to do my husband’s funeral. Professional, kind & helpful, from the lady on reception thro…

    Janet Boot via Google
    5

    All of the team at the Widnes / Haydock branches were extremely kind and supportive throughout the process, but I would like to give a special mention to Katie who guided us throu…

    Fat Ned via Google
    5

    Kerry at the Dukinfield office was very good at easing the burden in my time of need and advising myself and my son & daughter in choosing what was required for the funeral. Lisa,…

    John Pitman via Google
    in the last week
    5

    Savannah and team first class.Complete care, empathy and professional from first contact.

    Steven Glass via Google
    5

    Our recent experience with Rowland brothers West Wickham was was excellent. They are kind and considerate and nothing was too much trouble. They listened to our needs and changes …

    sharon dowley via Google