We'll call you back
Gibson's Funeral Services will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and Gibson's Funeral Services will call you back.
Free, no obligation. We'll pass your number to the director.
Attended Cremation
£1,700
Ready to speak to someone? A free, no-obligation call can help you understand the next steps.
If anything has changed, a quick call with a specialist can confirm.
A quick call with a specialist can help you figure out what applies.
Question of 3
Did the person who died own a property?
Including any property in their name, even if jointly owned.
Were there savings, investments, or other assets?
Bank accounts, shares, pensions, or valuables above a few thousand pounds.
Was there a will?
Even if you're not sure where it is, knowing one exists can change the process.
This can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to figure it out alone. A probate specialist can walk you through the next steps — no obligation, no pressure.
That's one less thing to worry about. If anything changes or you'd like a quick confirmation, a specialist can put your mind at rest.
Many families don't have all the information straight away — that's completely normal. A quick chat with a specialist can help you understand what applies to your situation.
What the probate process looks like
Apply for Grant of Probate
Collect assets & close accounts
Pay debts & tax
Distribute the estate
A specialist handles all of this for you.
Trusted by thousands of families across the UK
You probably don't need to pay for the funeral yourself
The estate will likely go through probate, which means the funeral costs can be paid from the estate. You need a probate specialist to make this happen.
Sail Probate · Fixed fees, nothing upfront
Probate might not be needed
That means the funeral costs probably can't be covered this way. But every situation is different — a quick chat can confirm.
We need a bit more info
Don't worry — lots of people aren't sure at this stage. A quick chat can work out whether the funeral costs can be covered.
Want to talk it through?
Free, no obligation.
Want to check with a specialist?
Free, no obligation.
Want to find out for sure?
Free, no obligation.
Sail Probate · Trusted by thousands of families
A specialist will call you soon
Free, no-obligation advice from Sail Probate
What happens next
Request received
Just now
A specialist reviews your details
Within 1 hour
You'll receive a call
Within 24 hours
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
Result saved
If you need help later, call Sail Probate free:
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
We'll give you a call
A Sail Probate specialist will talk you through everything and answer any questions.
Interested in: We handle everything (£6,000)
Interested in: Just the probate application (£1,000)
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
No problem
If you'd like to talk about probate or funeral costs, call Sail Probate free:
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
Gibson's Funeral Services has been proudly serving the local community of Bishop Auckland and the surrounding areas since its establishment in 1860, making it one of the region's most long-standing and trusted funeral providers. Rooted in a rich family history dating back to the carpentry and undertaking business founded by Joseph Gibson in Howden-le-Wear in the 1850s, the company has grown over generations while maintaining its deep commitment to personal, caring service.
The Bishop Auckland branch, located at Craddock House on Cockton Hill Road, offers a full range of funeral services tailored to meet the individual needs of every family. These include traditional funerals, cremations, burials, green and woodland funerals, unattended cremations, and repatriation services. The team is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and can visit families at home to discuss arrangements in a comfortable, supportive environment.
Gibson's Funeral Services is part of Funeral Partners Limited and is a member of the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD). The branch has received consistently excellent reviews, with families highlighting the professionalism, compassion, and attentiveness of their dedicated staff. Whether arranging a simple cremation or a bespoke funeral with horse-drawn hearse, the team goes the extra mile to ensure every farewell is a fitting tribute to a unique life.
"Thank you Victoria for looking after Lynn for me. I can honestly say that you were so supportive, understanding and professional. I would never have managed without you."
— Peter Hawkes (about Victoria)
"They made sure that our most difficult of days ended up being ones that we can look back on with fondness. They gave us confidence that everything was taken care of and carried us along in their capable hands."
— Brigit Kinsey (about Matthew)
"You all wear your hearts on your sleeves, you are truly the best funeral care service within the north east. The care, compassion, dignity, respect and kindness shown to our late mother and family during a very difficult time — we will always be forever grateful."
— Jason Parkinson (about Mark)
"Planning a funeral is never easy, but all at Gibsons Bishop Auckland handled our sons funeral like they were our closest friends. Every step of the way they were professional, friendly, kind and respectful. They allowed us to grieve and not worry about arrangements."
— Gillian Sowerby
"Kevan especially showed nothing but compassion, respect and love to not only us as a family but most importantly to Mam. Their services were Outstanding and made our final moment a little more bearable."
— Jessica Atkinson (about Kevan)
"Michael was first class from our first meeting through to dad's burial. He was so thoughtful and caring and made a very difficult time for us more bearable as we trusted him and he was always there to answer any of our questions. We couldn't have asked for anyone better to look after our dad and us. He is an absolute credit to your Company."
— Marie Tait (about Michael)
Claire McMahon
Reception
Claire on the front desk was described as very helpful and sincere, making a difficult time very bearable for families.
Claire McMahon
Funeral Arranger
Claire McMahon
Receptionist
Claire is praised by families for being very helpful and sincere, making a difficult time more bearable.
Ian Pearth
Ian Pearth
Funeral Arranger
Ian is recognised by families for his help and support through difficult times.
Ian Pearth
Staff
Ian Pearth
Funeral Arranger
Lorraine Hamilton
Funeral Arranger
Lorraine Hamilton
Funeral Arranger
Lorraine is a member of the caring team at Gibson's Funeral Services in Bishop Auckland.
Lorraine Hamilton
Staff
Mark Golding
Funeral Director
"You all wear your hearts on your sleeves, you are truly the best funeral care service within the north east. The care, …"
Mark Golding
Funeral Director
Mark is described as sensitive, respectful, efficient, responsive and organised by families he has served.
Mark Golding
Mark Golding
Funeral Director
Mark has been noted by families for his professionalism and the high standard of service he and his team provide.
Matthew Gibson
Funeral Director
"They made sure that our most difficult of days ended up being ones that we can look back on with fondness. They gave us…"
Matthew Gibson
Funeral Director
"They made sure that our most difficult of days ended up being ones that we can look back on with fondness. They gave us…"
Matthew Gibson
Funeral Director
"They made sure that our most difficult of days ended up being ones that we can look back on with fondness. They gave us…"
Matthew Gibson
"They made sure that our most difficult of days ended up being ones that we can look back on with fondness. They gave us…"
Michael Bell
Funeral Arranger
"Michael was first class from our first meeting through to dad's burial. He was so thoughtful and caring and made a very…"
Michael Bell
Staff
"Michael was first class from our first meeting through to dad's burial. He was so thoughtful and caring and made a very…"
Michael Bell
Funeral Director
"Michael was first class from our first meeting through to dad's burial. He was so thoughtful and caring and made a very…"
Michael Sneeth
Funeral Director
"Michael was first class from our first meeting through to dad's burial. He was so thoughtful and caring and made a very…"
Michael Sneeth
Staff
"Michael was first class from our first meeting through to dad's burial. He was so thoughtful and caring and made a very…"
Michael Sneeth
Funeral Director
"Michael was first class from our first meeting through to dad's burial. He was so thoughtful and caring and made a very…"
Michelle Gutteridge
Funeral Arranger
Michelle is part of the dedicated team at Gibson's Funeral Services supporting families through bereavement.
Michelle Gutteridge
Funeral Arranger
Michelle Gutteridge
Staff
Ryan Dodds
Staff
Ryan Dodds
Funeral Arranger
Ryan was described as polite, empathetic, well presented and having excellent communication skills, making an unsettlin…
Ryan Dodds
Funeral Director
Ryan is highlighted by families for delivering excellent service at Gibson's Funeral Services.
Victoria Gibson
Victoria Gibson
Funeral Director
"Thank you Victoria for looking after Lynn for me. I can honestly say that you were so supportive, understanding and pro…"
Victoria Gibson
Funeral Director
Victoria is described as a credit to her profession, guiding families through everything efficiently.
Victoria Gibson
Funeral Arranger
"Thank you Victoria for looking after Lynn for me. I can honestly say that you were so supportive, understanding and pro…"
Neill/Hayley Kennedy
a month ago
From the moment my Father and I met Ryan, we knew Gibson's was the perfect business to deal with. Ryan was polite, empathetic, well presented and had excellent communication skills. His knowledge and experience made what can be an unsettling time, seem smooth and effortless, leaving only a few jobs for us to do. Our celebrant, Laura was equally made for the job. Laura knew the questions to ask to get a well rounded story of a person's life. Her ceremony/presentation was meaningful and she managed to capture the essence of my Mother. Ryan informed us in advance that he would be on annual leave close to the time of the funeral and Michael was Ryan's replacement. It turned out that Michael was also excellent and the crossover of staff felt seamless. On the funeral day, Michael respectfully approached the house and explained how the day would progress. Michael's demeanor was so calm and collected and this had a calming presence on the funeral party. I cannot fault anything about the whole experience, Gibson's also looked after catering, photo slide show and music, they just need your choices in advance to ensure you receive the service you would like. Thanks again to the whole team, including the pallbearers and office staff that helped. Hayley Kennedy
Benji0rugby Wire
3 weeks ago
Sensitive, respectful, efficient, responsive, organised. Really professional, really grateful. Thank you to Mark G but also the team who must surely support everything in the background.
Barbara Hughes
3 months ago
My daughter and myself were very happy with the funeral arrangements for my late husband. We felt looked after by the team. Michael the funeral director contacted us promptly and was there to guide and support us through the entire process.Whilst he was professional and organised he also had a very understanding, patient and reassuring manner which helped us at this difficult time. The ladies on reception were also very caring and accommodated all our requests to see my husband. Sharon, the minister ensured that all our wishes were met in the service and was also very supportive.
Joanne L
3 months ago
Matthew took fantastic care of us from beginning to end and every member of staff that we dealt with was kind, patient, supportive and caring. The whole service provided was excellent.
Bees and Butterflies Flowers Florist
4 months ago
The professional service that Gibsons provides is absolutely perfect and they are best around. They are an experienced team that just make the whole process easy, thoughtful and relaxed. They communicate with families excellently, and we felt heard, valued and supported. The knowledge and experience shines through and you are a trusted team who work seamlessly. The have been brilliant with all our loved ones funerals, and we can’t thank you enough for everything you have done recently and in the past too. Thank you.
Take a moment to reflect on the care you received
Not displayed publicly — used for verification only
This helps other families understand your experience
Share what your experience was like — other families will read this when choosing a funeral director
characters — please write a little more
Your review will appear on this page once verified. This usually takes 1–2 days.
Ready to speak to someone? A free, no-obligation call can help you understand the next steps.
If anything has changed, a quick call with a specialist can confirm.
A quick call with a specialist can help you figure out what applies.
Question of 3
Did the person who died own a property?
Including any property in their name, even if jointly owned.
Were there savings, investments, or other assets?
Bank accounts, shares, pensions, or valuables above a few thousand pounds.
Was there a will?
Even if you're not sure where it is, knowing one exists can change the process.
This can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to figure it out alone. A probate specialist can walk you through the next steps — no obligation, no pressure.
That's one less thing to worry about. If anything changes or you'd like a quick confirmation, a specialist can put your mind at rest.
Many families don't have all the information straight away — that's completely normal. A quick chat with a specialist can help you understand what applies to your situation.
What the probate process looks like
Apply for Grant of Probate
Collect assets & close accounts
Pay debts & tax
Distribute the estate
A specialist handles all of this for you.
Trusted by thousands of families across the UK
You probably don't need to pay for the funeral yourself
The estate will likely go through probate, which means the funeral costs can be paid from the estate. You need a probate specialist to make this happen.
Sail Probate · Fixed fees, nothing upfront
Probate might not be needed
That means the funeral costs probably can't be covered this way. But every situation is different — a quick chat can confirm.
We need a bit more info
Don't worry — lots of people aren't sure at this stage. A quick chat can work out whether the funeral costs can be covered.
Want to talk it through?
Free, no obligation.
Want to check with a specialist?
Free, no obligation.
Want to find out for sure?
Free, no obligation.
Sail Probate · Trusted by thousands of families
A specialist will call you soon
Free, no-obligation advice from Sail Probate
What happens next
Request received
Just now
A specialist reviews your details
Within 1 hour
You'll receive a call
Within 24 hours
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
Result saved
If you need help later, call Sail Probate free:
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
We'll give you a call
A Sail Probate specialist will talk you through everything and answer any questions.
Interested in: We handle everything (£6,000)
Interested in: Just the probate application (£1,000)
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
No problem
If you'd like to talk about probate or funeral costs, call Sail Probate free:
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
Get in touch
Call 01388603665We'll call you back
Gibson's Funeral Services will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and Gibson's Funeral Services will call you back.
Free, no obligation. We'll pass your number to the director.
You've completed of 18 steps on the bereavement checklist.
Continue your checklist18 things to sort when someone dies — keep track so nothing gets missed.
See the full checklist
What to wear to a funeral in the UK: traditional expectations, modern dress codes, religious variations, what not to wear, and guidance for children.
From cremation to burial, discover what UK funerals really cost in 2026 — including a full breakdown of funeral director fees, disbursements, and regional price differences to help you plan with confidence.
The average cost of a funeral in the UK is £4,141. This guide breaks down every fee, explains regional differences, and shows you how to manage costs without compromising dignity.
Serving families in BISHOP_AUCKLAND and the surrounding area
So we can help families like yours better.
Tick all that apply.
Understanding your experience helps us help families like yours.
Your answers help us support families going through this.
You might find our step-by-step guide helpful →
