Losing someone you love is one of the hardest things any of us will ever face, and the days that follow can feel overwhelming. As independent, family-run funeral directors serving Hollingdean and the wider Brighton area, we are here to take the weight of the arrangements off your shoulders so you can focus on grieving and on being with the people who matter. There is no rush and no pressure, only steady support and a kind ear.
Sussex Funeral Services is a small family firm, and we treat every family who comes to us the way we would want our own to be treated. Whether you are planning ahead or coping with a very recent loss, we will sit with you, listen properly and explain everything in plain language. From the first phone call to the day of the funeral and beyond, you will always be able to reach a real person who knows your name and your story.
Philip and Sallie are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, because we understand that grief does not keep office hours. Whenever you need us, day or night, we are only a phone call away.
Hollingdean is a close-knit neighbourhood in inner north Brighton, tucked near The Level, Ditchling Road and Roundhill, and just a short journey from the city centre. It sits among familiar spots like Hollingbury, Moulsecoomb, Coldean and Fiveways, and over the years we have had the privilege of helping many local families here through a difficult time. We know the area well, and we know how much it means to arrange things close to home.
For families in Hollingdean, funerals are most often held at one of the two crematoria that serve this part of the city, Woodvale Crematorium on Lewes Road or The Downs Crematorium on Bear Road. Where a burial is preferred, this usually takes place at Woodvale Cemetery, Bear Road Cemetery or Brighton and Preston Cemetery. We are happy to talk you through the options and help you decide what feels right.
A death in the area is registered at the Brighton and Hove Register Office at Brighton Town Hall, and we can guide you through that process step by step so nothing feels confusing. If you live nearby, you may also want to read about our care for families in funeral directors in Hollingbury, as we look after both neighbourhoods with the same personal attention.
A traditional funeral gives families the time and space to gather, to say goodbye properly and to honour a life well lived. For many people in Hollingdean this remains the most meaningful way to mark a loss, with a service, a procession and a chance for friends and family to come together. We will help you shape the day so it reflects the person you are remembering.
Every detail can be as simple or as personal as you wish. We will look after the practical side quietly in the background, from the coffin and the transport to the order of service and the flowers, so that on the day itself you can simply be present with the people around you.
A direct cremation is a simple, dignified option with no formal service beforehand, which suits families who prefer something private or who wish to hold their own gathering later in their own time. It is often the most affordable choice, and it takes away much of the ceremony and cost that some people simply do not want.
We carry out every direct cremation with the same care and respect we give to any funeral. Nothing is rushed, and your loved one is always looked after properly. When the time comes, we will return the ashes to you so you can say your own goodbye in whatever way feels right for your family.
Not every funeral needs to follow a religious form, and many families in Hollingdean choose a celebrant-led service that focuses entirely on the person they loved. A celebration of life can be warm, personal and even uplifting, built around the stories, music and memories that made someone who they were.
We work with experienced, caring celebrants who take the time to get to know your family before writing a service that truly fits. Whether you want something quiet and reflective or a proper send-off full of laughter and shared memories, we will help you create a day that feels honest and true.
For families who wish to mark a loss in keeping with their beliefs, a religious funeral offers comfort, familiarity and the support of a wider community. We arrange services across a range of faiths and denominations, working closely with your minister, priest or faith leader to make sure every custom and observance is respected.
We understand how important it is to get these details right, and we handle them with sensitivity and care. If you would like to know more about how we support families of faith, please take a look at our religious funeral services, where we explain everything in more detail.
Some families feel drawn to a gentler, more natural farewell, and we are glad to arrange woodland, green and other alternative funerals for those who want them. These services often use sustainable coffins and simple, heartfelt ceremonies that sit close to nature, which many people find deeply comforting.
For families in Hollingdean who prefer a burial, we can help with graveside services and the choice of a resting place, whether that is at Woodvale Cemetery, Bear Road Cemetery or Brighton and Preston Cemetery. We will explain what is involved and guide you gently through each decision.
Arranging a funeral in advance is a thoughtful thing to do for the people you love, and a prepaid funeral plan lets you set out your wishes and protect your family from difficult decisions later on. It can also ease worry about cost, giving everyone real peace of mind.
We will talk you through the choices calmly and clearly, with no pressure at all, so you can decide what suits you. Whether you want to record simple preferences or plan every detail, we are always happy to sit down and help you put things in place at your own pace.
The small details are often what make a funeral feel truly personal, and we offer a wide choice of coffins and urns to suit every taste and budget, from classic and traditional to simple and natural. We will show you the options without any fuss and let you take your time deciding.
Beyond the coffin, there are countless ways to make a service your own, from favourite music and photographs to meaningful readings and personal keepsakes. Whatever ideas you have, however small, we will do our very best to make them happen for you.
Worrying about money is the last thing any grieving family needs, so we believe in being open and honest about cost from the very start. We will always explain clearly what is included, and we will never surprise you with hidden charges. Our aim is simple, affordable funerals arranged with genuine care.
Whether you are looking for a full traditional service or a straightforward direct cremation, we will find an option that respects both your wishes and your budget. If cost is a concern, please just tell us, and we will help you find a way forward with dignity and without embarrassment.
We are a small, independent, family-run business, and that is exactly why families across Hollingdean feel able to trust us. When you call us, you speak to people who genuinely care, not a call centre. Here is what you can count on:
The very first thing is to make sure a doctor or the relevant authority has been informed so the death can be certified. After that, you are welcome to call us at any hour and we will take over the practical arrangements. There is no need to have everything worked out before you ring, as we will guide you gently through each step.
Most families in Hollingdean use one of the two crematoria that serve this part of Brighton, Woodvale Crematorium on Lewes Road or The Downs Crematorium on Bear Road. If you would prefer a burial, we can arrange this at a local cemetery. We will happily talk through all the options and help you choose what feels right.
A death in the Hollingdean area is registered at the Brighton and Hove Register Office at Brighton Town Hall. You will usually need to make an appointment to do this. We can explain exactly what to bring and what to expect, so the process feels far less daunting.
Yes, we do. A direct cremation is a simple option with no formal service beforehand, and it is often the most affordable choice. We carry it out with full care and respect, and we return the ashes to you afterwards so you can say goodbye in your own way and your own time.
Yes, always. Philip and Sallie are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, because a death can happen at any time. Whenever you need us, whether that is late at night or early in the morning, you can call us and a caring person will answer.
Absolutely, and we encourage it. From favourite music and photographs to personal readings, keepsakes and a choice of coffin or urn, we will help you make the day truly reflect the person you are remembering. No idea is too small, and we will do our best to make it happen.
Yes, and many families find great comfort in doing so. A prepaid funeral plan lets you record your wishes and ease the burden on loved ones later. We will explain the choices calmly and without any pressure, so you can put things in place at a pace that suits you.
We are, and it matters to us. We are an independent, family-run business, accredited and recommended by SAIF, BIFD and the Good Funeral Guide. You can read more about our family-run business and the values that guide the care we give to every family in Hollingdean.
If you have lost someone, or you simply want to talk things through, please do not hesitate to get in touch. You can call Philip or Sallie at any time, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, on 01273 736469 or 07789 174453. We are based at 185 Portland Road, Hove, BN3 5QJ, and we are always ready to help families in Hollingdean with warmth, patience and genuine care. There is no obligation, only a kind and understanding voice on the other end of the line.