Coffin burial
The exclusive rights of burial in a private grave are leased for 50 years and renewable after this time.
We provide three types of graves:
- Lawn Graves – One headstone will be allowed.
- Full Memorial Graves – Memorial kerbing around the permiter of the grave and is subject to approval.
- Green Burials – No markers will be allowed.
Following a death, a grave will be allocated to you after you submit an application.
If you are preparing for the future, you can buy a grave in advance so it is important to consider these options carefully before deciding the type of grave you need.
Green Burial
Green burials allow for an eco-friendly burial, subject to environmental requirements. The coffin must be biodegradable and embalming or markers are not allowed in these areas.
These meadow areas are allowed to grow naturally and are cut infrequently to promote biodiversity within our cemeteries. Wildflower planting will be placed on the grave once the ground has settled.
You can read more information about burial regulations.
Muslim burial
We offer a dedicated Muslim burial area at our Canterbury Cemetery. We regularly consult with our local mosque so we can offer the most appropriate funerary provisions. You can see more information about Muslim burials.
You can also see a map to our Muslim burial area.
Ashes burial
Ashes can be buried within existing, privately owned graves with the owner's permission.
Ashes can also be buried within new standalone private plots. These are placed within the main cemetery, and regulated memorials are allowed.
Ashes can also be loosely buried under turf on a communal lawn. The exclusive rights of burial in a private grave are leased for 20 years and is renewable after this time.
You can apply for a notice of interment.
Markers are not allowed in these areas, but memorials can be bought close by to commemorate your loved one.
There is no communal lawn at Whitstable Cemetery.
Ashes scattering
Ashes can be strewn within dedicated communal areas within our woodland scattering areas.
You can apply for ashes scattering in either Canterbury or Herne Bay Cemeteries.
There are no scattering areas at Whitstable Cemetery.
You can see the prices for these services.