Funeral Directors in Mile Oak

A caring, family-run funeral service for Mile Oak families

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 comes next on your own. As independent, family-run funeral directors, we are here for families across Mile Oak to take the practical weight off your shoulders and to help you say goodbye in a way that feels right for the person who has died.

Sussex Funeral Services is run by Philip and Sallie, who look after every family personally from start to finish. We are based at 185 Portland Road in Hove, only a short journey from Mile Oak, and we are accredited and recommended by SAIF, the BIFD and the Good Funeral Guide. That means you are in safe, experienced hands at a time when trust matters most.

There is never any rush and never any pressure. Whether you want a simple, affordable funeral or something more personal and detailed, we will listen first, explain everything clearly and let you decide what is right. Philip and Sallie are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can always reach a real person who understands.

Looking after families across Mile Oak and Portslade

Mile Oak sits on the northern edge of Portslade, tucked right under the South Downs near the recreation ground and the downland paths that so many local families know and love. It is a close, settled community, and we feel privileged to help the people who live here through some of their most difficult days. Wherever you are in the area, we will come to you.

We regularly support families in Mile Oak and the neighbouring areas of Portslade and Southwick, so we know the local options well and can guide you gently through each choice. If you would like to read more about the wider help we offer close by, you can also see our page on funeral directors in Portslade.

For local cremations, the two crematoria serving Mile Oak are Woodvale Crematorium on Lewes Road in Brighton and The Downs Crematorium on Bear Road in Brighton. Burials in the area usually take place at Woodvale Cemetery, Bear Road Cemetery or Brighton and Preston Cemetery. Deaths are registered at the Brighton and Hove Register Office at Brighton Town Hall, and we will explain exactly how and when to do this so nothing feels confusing.

Traditional funerals arranged with dignity

A traditional funeral gives family and friends the chance to gather, to grieve together and to honour a life well lived. We look after every detail for Mile Oak families, from bringing your loved one into our care to arranging the service, the cars, the flowers and the order of the day.

  • Care of your loved one at every stage
  • Service at a church, chapel or crematorium
  • Hearse and family cars arranged
  • Flowers, music and printed order of service
  • Gentle guidance through every decision

You choose how formal or how relaxed it feels. We will take care of the arrangements quietly in the background so that on the day itself, you and your family are free to be together and to remember.

Direct cremation for a simpler goodbye

A direct cremation is a simple, dignified option without a formal service beforehand. It suits families in Mile Oak who prefer something quiet and unhurried, or who would rather hold their own celebration of life later, in their own time and their own way.

  • No formal service on the day of the cremation
  • Clear, honest and affordable pricing
  • Ashes returned to you with care
  • Freedom to hold a celebration later
  • Dignity and respect throughout

We handle everything with the same respect and care we give every family. You are welcome to keep it completely private, or to gather afterwards to remember your loved one however feels right.

Non-religious and celebrant-led funerals

Not every family wants a religious service, and that is absolutely fine. A celebrant-led funeral puts the person who has died at the very heart of the day, with words, music and memories chosen to reflect who they truly were.

  • A service led by a caring celebrant
  • Personal stories, readings and music
  • Non-religious or partly spiritual, as you wish
  • A true celebration of life
  • Full freedom over tone and content

We work with warm, experienced celebrants who take the time to get to know your family and to build a service that feels genuine. Whether you want something reflective, uplifting or a mixture of both, we will help you shape a fitting farewell.

Religious funerals and services of faith

For many Mile Oak families, faith is a central comfort at the end of life. We are glad to arrange funerals of all faiths and denominations, working closely with your minister, priest or faith leader to make sure every custom and tradition is honoured properly.

  • Services for all faiths and denominations
  • Close liaison with your faith leader
  • Customs and traditions respected in full
  • Church, chapel or graveside services
  • Care taken over every religious detail

From a church service to a graveside blessing, we will look after the timing, the readings and the practical arrangements so your family can focus on prayer, reflection and one another.

Woodland, green and burial options

Some families feel drawn to a more natural farewell, and we are always happy to talk through green, woodland and alternative choices. For those who prefer a burial, local families are usually laid to rest at Woodvale Cemetery, Bear Road Cemetery or Brighton and Preston Cemetery, and we will guide you through each one.

  • Traditional and green burial options
  • Local cemeteries explained clearly
  • Natural and woodland-style farewells
  • Personal touches in setting and style
  • Sensitive help with every choice

If you would like something a little different or more personal in its setting and style, we can help you plan a bespoke burial funeral that reflects your loved one and the things that mattered most to them.

Prepaid funeral plans for peace of mind

Planning ahead is a thoughtful, loving thing to do. 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 worry later on.

  • Your wishes recorded clearly in advance
  • Our services fixed at today's prices
  • Less worry and expense for loved ones
  • Honest, unhurried, no-pressure guidance
  • Peace of mind for you and your family

We will sit down with you, without any pressure, and talk through the options in plain English until you feel completely comfortable. Many people in Mile Oak find real reassurance in knowing everything is arranged and settled.

Coffins, urns and personal touches

The small, personal details are often what a family remembers most. We offer a wide choice of coffins and urns to suit every taste and budget, from classic and traditional to simple and understated.

  • A broad range of coffins and urns
  • Traditional, simple and modern styles
  • Personal music, readings and photographs
  • Meaningful colours, themes and keepsakes
  • Thoughtful touches at every price

Beyond the coffin, there are many gentle ways to make a service feel truly personal, whether that is a favourite song, a treasured photograph, a particular colour or a well-loved reading. We will happily help you weave in whatever feels meaningful.

Clear funeral costs and what is included

Money is the last thing anyone wants to worry about when they are grieving. We believe in being open and honest about costs from the very start, so you always know exactly what you are paying for and why, with no hidden extras or surprises.

  • Clear written estimates, no hidden costs
  • Affordable and simple options available
  • Care of your loved one included
  • Help matching a service to your budget
  • Honest advice at every stage

We offer affordable and simple funerals as well as fuller, more traditional services, and we will always help you find something that fits your budget with dignity. If you have questions before you get in touch, you may find answers among our funeral FAQs.

Why Mile Oak families choose us

Choosing a funeral director is a matter of trust. Here is why so many families in Mile Oak and the wider Portslade area turn to us at such an important time.

  • Independent and genuinely family-run, never part of a chain
  • Philip and Sallie look after your family personally
  • Accredited and recommended by SAIF, the BIFD and the Good Funeral Guide
  • Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • Honest, clear pricing with no hidden extras
  • Warm, calm and unhurried guidance throughout
  • Local knowledge of Mile Oak, Portslade and Southwick
  • Every funeral personalised to the person who has died

Common questions from Mile Oak families


Do you cover Mile Oak and the surrounding areas?

Yes, we look after families throughout Mile Oak, Portslade, Southwick and the wider Brighton and Hove area. We are based at 185 Portland Road in Hove, only a short journey away. Wherever you are locally, we will come to you and arrange everything with care.

What should I do when someone dies?

The first thing is to make sure a doctor or the relevant authority has been informed so the death can be certified. After that, simply call us at any time and we will guide you gently through the next steps. There is no rush, and we will explain everything clearly.

Where would a funeral or cremation usually take place?

The two crematoria serving Mile Oak are Woodvale Crematorium on Lewes Road and The Downs Crematorium on Bear Road, both in Brighton. Burials are usually at Woodvale Cemetery, Bear Road Cemetery or Brighton and Preston Cemetery. We will help you choose the option that feels right for your family.

Where do I register the death?

Deaths in the Mile Oak area are registered at the Brighton and Hove Register Office at Brighton Town Hall. You will usually need to make an appointment, and we will explain exactly what to bring and when. If anything feels confusing, we are always happy to talk it through.

Can we have a funeral without a religious service?

Absolutely. Many families choose a non-religious, celebrant-led funeral that focuses on the life and personality of the person who has died. We work with experienced celebrants who create a warm and personal service. It can be reflective, uplifting or a blend of both, entirely as you wish.

Are you available at night and at weekends?

Yes. Philip and Sallie are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including nights, weekends and bank holidays. When you call, you will speak to a real person who understands. We are only ever a phone call away.

Can I plan and pay for a funeral in advance?

Yes, we offer prepaid funeral plans that let you record your wishes and fix the cost of our services at today's prices. This can bring real peace of mind and takes worry and expense away from your loved ones. We will talk you through the options with no pressure at all.

How much does a funeral cost?

Every funeral is different, so costs vary depending on the choices you make. We offer affordable and simple funerals as well as more traditional services, and we always give clear written estimates with no hidden extras. We will happily help you find something dignified that suits your budget.

Speak to us whenever you need to

If you have lost someone, or you simply want to talk things through, please get in touch whenever you are ready. Philip or Sallie are here for Mile Oak families 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and you can reach us any time on 01273 736469 or 07789 174453. There is no pressure and no rush, just calm, caring and experienced help when you need it most.