Losing someone you love is one of the hardest things any of us ever face. When it happens, you should not have to work out what to do next on your own. As independent, family-run funeral directors serving Hollingbury, we are here to take the weight off your shoulders and guide you gently through everything that needs to be done, at whatever pace feels right for you.
Sussex Funeral Services is run by Philip and Sallie from our home at 185 Portland Road, Hove, BN3 5QJ. We are a small, personal firm rather than a large chain, so when you call us you speak to the same familiar faces every time. We are accredited and recommended by SAIF, the BIFD and the Good Funeral Guide, which means the care and standards you receive are held to the highest level.
Whether you already know exactly what your family wants or you have no idea where to begin, we will listen first and explain everything clearly, without any pressure. Philip and Sallie are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so there is always someone to answer the phone and help.
Hollingbury sits on the northern edge of Brighton, up on the Downs, with Hollingbury Golf Course, Wild Park and the ancient Iron Age hillfort at Hollingbury Camp all close by. It is a proper community, and one we know well. We regularly look after families here and across the neighbouring areas of Patcham, Withdean, Hollingdean and Coldean, so wherever you are in this part of the city, you will find us near at hand and happy to come to you.
Most funerals for Hollingbury families take place at one of the two local crematoria: Woodvale Crematorium on Lewes Road or The Downs Crematorium on Bear Road. If a burial feels more fitting, this is usually arranged at Woodvale Cemetery, Bear Road Cemetery or Brighton and Preston Cemetery. We handle all the bookings and paperwork with these venues on your behalf, so you can focus on your family rather than the logistics.
When someone dies, the death also needs to be registered, and for this area that is done at the Brighton and Hove Register Office at Brighton Town Hall. We will explain exactly how and when to make an appointment, what documents you will need to take with you and what happens afterwards. If you live a little further out, you may also find our page for funeral directors in Patcham helpful, as we support families right across northern Brighton.
A traditional funeral gives family and friends the time and space to gather, to grieve together and to say a proper goodbye. For many Hollingbury families this remains the most comforting way to mark a life, whether it is a quiet, simple service or a fuller occasion with hymns, readings and a gathering afterwards.
We will help you shape every part of the day so it truly reflects the person who has died. Nothing is fixed and nothing is rushed, and we will happily talk you through the choices until it all feels right.
A direct cremation is a straightforward, unattended cremation with no service at the crematorium. It is a calm, affordable option for families who would rather remember their loved one their own way, perhaps with a celebration of life at home or a favourite spot at another time.
We carry out every direct cremation with exactly the same respect and dignity as any other funeral we arrange. You can be as involved or as hands-off as you wish, and we will keep everything simple and clear.
Not every family wants a religious service, and that is absolutely fine. A celebrant-led funeral is built entirely around the person who has died, telling their story in their own words, with the music, readings and memories that meant the most to them.
We work with warm, experienced celebrants who will spend time getting to know your family before writing a service that feels personal and true. The result is a heartfelt farewell that sounds like the person, not a template.
If faith was important to your loved one, we will make sure their funeral honours it fully. We regularly arrange Christian services and are experienced in supporting families of other faiths and denominations across Hollingbury and Brighton.
We will liaise with your minister, priest or place of worship, coordinate timings with the crematorium or cemetery and make sure every custom and observance is respected properly and without fuss.
Some families prefer a burial, and for Hollingbury this is usually at Woodvale Cemetery, Bear Road Cemetery or Brighton and Preston Cemetery. We take care of all the arrangements with the cemetery, including the plot and the paperwork, so the day itself feels peaceful.
If you are drawn to something more natural or unconventional, we can help there too. From woodland and green burials to more personal ideas, we are always glad to explore our alternative funeral services with you and find something that genuinely fits.
Planning ahead is one of the kindest things you can do for the people you love. A prepaid funeral plan lets you set out your wishes and fix the cost of our services at today's prices, sparing your family difficult decisions and unexpected bills at an already painful time.
We will sit down with you, talk through your options in plain English and put together a plan that suits you. There is never any pressure, only clear, honest advice from people you can trust.
Every detail is a chance to reflect the person you are saying goodbye to. We offer a wide choice of coffins and urns, from classic and traditional to wicker, cardboard and more natural materials, and we will help you find something that feels right for your loved one and your budget.
Beyond the coffin, it is often the small personal touches that mean the most. A favourite piece of music, a chosen colour, treasured photographs or a special reading can turn a service into a true celebration of a life well lived.
Worrying about money should never add to your grief. We believe in being completely open about our prices, so you always know exactly what you are paying for and why, with no surprises and no pressure to spend more than you want or need.
From simple and affordable funerals through to fuller traditional services, we will give you a clear written estimate from the very start and keep you informed at every step. Our aim is a dignified farewell that fits your family and your budget.
We are a genuinely independent, family-run firm, and the care we give comes from the heart. Here is what you can expect when you ask us to look after someone you love.
If the death was expected and at home, contact the GP or the person's doctor, who will confirm it and issue the medical certificate. If it happens in hospital or a care home, the staff there will guide you through the immediate steps. Once you feel ready, call us at any hour and we will take care of everything from there.
For Hollingbury and the surrounding area, deaths are registered at the Brighton and Hove Register Office at Brighton Town Hall. You will usually need to make an appointment first and take along the medical certificate. We will explain exactly what to bring and what to expect, so it feels far less daunting.
The two crematoria serving this area are Woodvale Crematorium on Lewes Road and The Downs Crematorium on Bear Road. Both are close to Hollingbury and hold lovely services. We will help you choose the one that feels right and arrange the booking on your behalf.
Yes, of course. Burials for local families usually take place at Woodvale Cemetery, Bear Road Cemetery or Brighton and Preston Cemetery. We handle the plot, the paperwork and all the arrangements with the cemetery so the day itself can be calm and peaceful.
We do. Alongside traditional funerals we offer direct cremation and simple, lower-cost services for families who want something more straightforward. We will always give you a clear written estimate first and honest advice on keeping things within your budget, with no pressure at all.
Not unless you would like to. We are based at 185 Portland Road in Hove, but we are very happy to visit you at home anywhere in Hollingbury and the nearby areas. Many families find it more comfortable to make arrangements in familiar surroundings, and we are glad to come to you.
Absolutely, and we would encourage it. From the music and readings to the coffin, flowers and colours, every part of the day can be shaped around the person who has died. Whether you want a religious service, a celebrant-led farewell or a quiet celebration of life, we will help you make it truly personal.
Yes. Philip and Sallie are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, because sadness does not keep office hours. Whenever you need us, day or night, someone will always answer the phone and be ready to help.
If you have lost someone or simply want to talk something through, please do not hesitate to reach out. Philip or Sallie are here for Hollingbury families 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and you can call us any time on 01273 736469 or 07789 174453. There is no pressure and no obligation, just calm, caring guidance from people who genuinely want to help. When you feel ready, you can also get in touch through our website and we will come straight back to you.