Gornal Wood Crematorium is a trusted and peaceful cremation facility located in Dudley, West Midlands. Managed by Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council, it has served families with compassion and professionalism since its establishment in 1960. Set in landscaped gardens, the crematorium offers a quiet, respectful space for farewells, memorials, and reflection.
This guide offers a comprehensive look at the crematorium’s services, pricing, contact details, reviews, and what to expect if you’re planning or attending a service.
Gornal Wood Crematorium Dudley: Location and Overview
Situated on Chase Road in the Gornal Wood area of Dudley, the crematorium is easily accessible from nearby areas such as Sedgley, Kingswinford, and Wolverhampton. It is one of two main crematoriums in the borough and is known for its serene surroundings and high-quality care.
Address: Chase Road, Gornal Wood, Dudley DY3 2RL
Council: Dudley Metropolitan Borough
Opened: 1960
Chapel capacity: 100 seated, additional standing
Surroundings: Landscaped memorial gardens
The site is designed to accommodate both intimate and larger services, with flexible scheduling and audio-visual capabilities.
Facilities and Features
Gornal Wood Crematorium blends tradition with modern comfort. The chapel is equipped with a professional sound system, screens for visual tributes, and livestreaming services for remote guests.
Key Features:
Private family waiting room
Digital music system for personalized tributes
Accessible toilets and pathways
Book of Remembrance room
On-site parking (to be expanded in 2025)
The surrounding gardens are maintained year-round and feature seasonal plants, memorial trees, and rose beds.
Gornal Wood Crematorium Fees 2024
Below is a breakdown of cremation service costs at Gornal Wood Crematorium in 2024. These are set by Dudley Council and are accurate as of the most recent update.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adult cremation (18 and over) | £884 |
| Child cremation (under 18) | Free |
| Saturday cremation (limited availability) | £1,083 |
| Direct cremation (no service) | £515 |
| Extra chapel time (30 minutes) | £320 |
| Witnessed ashes committal | £73 |
Optional memorials and inscriptions carry additional fees, which vary depending on material, size, and duration.
Memorial Options at Gornal Wood Crematorium
The crematorium offers several permanent and semi-permanent memorial options. These tributes help families create meaningful, lasting ways to remember their loved ones.
Available Memorials:
Bronze or granite wall plaques
Memorial trees or rose bushes
Book of Remembrance entries
Columbarium niches (hold up to five urns)
Memorial tablets for garden placement
All memorials are placed within the crematorium’s landscaped gardens, offering visitors a quiet setting for reflection.
List of Funerals at Gornal Wood Crematorium
Gornal Wood Crematorium does not provide a public daily list of funeral services. However, funeral times and details can often be found through:
Local funeral directors
Obituary listings on platforms like funeral-notices.co.uk
Family announcements or death notices in local newspapers
If you’re attending a specific service, it’s best to confirm the schedule with the organizing funeral home.
Gornal Wood Crematorium Records
The crematorium maintains comprehensive records of past cremations and memorials. These records are securely stored by Dudley Council and can be accessed upon request for family history or memorial confirmation.
How to Request Records:
In-person: By appointment only, Monday to Friday
Genealogical researchers may also request details, though data sharing is subject to privacy laws and council policy.
Gornal Wood Crematorium Reviews
Gornal Wood Crematorium has received positive reviews for its caring staff, well-maintained facilities, and peaceful atmosphere. Many families highlight the professionalism and support they received during emotionally difficult times.
Common Feedback:
“Grounds were immaculate and respectful.”
“Staff were courteous and helpful throughout.”
“The chapel was a calm setting for saying goodbye.”
“Helpful team guided us every step of the way.”
These testimonials reflect the crematorium’s commitment to dignity and comfort.
Opening Times and Office Hours
The crematorium grounds and office follow seasonal opening times. Visitors are encouraged to check hours in advance to ensure access to gardens or the Book of Remembrance room.
Crematorium Grounds:
April to October: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
November to March: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Office (by appointment only):
Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Please note: All buildings close 30 minutes before garden closing time. Entry gates close 15 minutes after building closure.
2025 Refurbishment Plans
Beginning June 2, 2025, Gornal Wood Crematorium will undergo a major refurbishment funded by a £1.1 million investment by the local authority. The upgrades are aimed at improving accessibility, aesthetics, and energy efficiency.
Planned Improvements:
Refreshed chapel interior and new lighting
Upgraded AV systems for tributes
EV car charging points and resurfaced car park
Accessible toilet facilities and entrance ramp
New entrance canopy and seating area
Closure Notice:
Full closure from July 7 to August 15, 2025
Temporary services will be held at Stourbridge Crematorium
Families are advised to plan services around this window or seek alternative venues during the temporary closure.
How to Contact Gornal Wood Crematorium
For bookings, memorial inquiries, or records requests, use the contact information below.
|
|
|---|---|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Region | Dudley, West Midlands |
| Established | 1960 |
| Services Offered | Cremations, memorials, records, chapel hire |
| Fees (Adult Cremation) | £884 (as of 2024) |
| Refurbishment Period | June–August 2025 (closed 7 July–15 August) |
| Memorial Options | Trees, plaques, columbarium niches, rose bushes |
| Managed By | Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council |
(FQRs)
Are there toilets at Gornal Crematorium?
Yes, Gornal Wood Crematorium offers fully accessible toilet facilities, including disabled access. These are located inside the main building near the chapel and waiting room.
What is the Book of Remembrance at Gornal Crematorium?
The Book of Remembrance is a hand-inscribed record that honors individuals cremated at the facility. Entries are visible in the dedicated Remembrance Room, which is open to the public. Pages are turned daily to reflect current dates, allowing families to visit on anniversaries.
When was Gornal Wood Crematorium built?
Gornal Wood Crematorium was built in 1960 and has been a key part of Dudley’s bereavement services ever since. It remains one of the most established cremation sites in the West Midlands.
Where was the first crematorium built?
The first crematorium in the UK was built in Woking, Surrey, in 1878. It was operated by the Cremation Society of Great Britain and marked the beginning of legal and ceremonial cremation in the country.
Gornal Wood Crematorium is more than just a cremation venue—it’s a thoughtfully maintained, deeply respectful space where families can find closure and peace. Its caring staff, diverse memorial options, and upcoming modern upgrades make it a lasting part of the Dudley community. Whether you’re planning ahead or managing recent arrangements, Gornal Wood offers the support and serenity you need.
For more information, contact the Bereavement Services office or visit the official Dudley Council website.
