Losing someone you love is one of the hardest things any of us will ever go through. When that day comes, you should not have to face the arrangements alone. Sussex Funeral Services is an independent, family-run firm that has looked after local families for many years, and we are proud to be trusted by people right across Portslade.
We are based just along the coast at 185 Portland Road, Hove, BN3 5QJ, only a short journey from Portslade Village and Portslade-by-Sea. That means we are close by when you need us, whether you would like to visit us or you would prefer we come to you. Philip and Sallie handle every funeral personally, so you always speak to someone who knows your family and your wishes.
As funeral directors in Portslade, we believe a good funeral should feel calm, unhurried and genuinely personal. We take the time to listen, explain your options in plain English and gently guide you through each step, so nothing feels rushed and nothing feels beyond you.
Portslade sits to the west of Hove and has two distinct parts: the older Portslade Village with its history and character, and Portslade-by-Sea down near the harbour. Landmarks such as St Nicolas Church, Foredown Tower and Easthill Park are woven into daily life here, and we know how much local surroundings matter to families when they are planning a farewell. We look after families in the neighbouring areas too, including Mile Oak, Southwick, Hove and Fishersgate, and if you are just over the boundary you may also find our page for the nearby funeral directors in Mile Oak helpful.
For cremations, the two crematoria serving Portslade are Woodvale Crematorium on Lewes Road in Brighton and The Downs Crematorium on Bear Road in Brighton. When a family chooses a burial, this usually takes place at Woodvale Cemetery, Bear Road Cemetery or Brighton and Preston Cemetery. We know these places well and will make all the arrangements on your behalf, from booking the service to liaising with the ministers, celebrants and staff involved.
A death of someone who lived in the Portslade area is registered at the Brighton and Hove Register Office at Brighton Town Hall. This can feel like a daunting job at an already difficult time, so we will explain exactly what you need to take with you, when to go and what happens afterwards, so you can walk in feeling prepared rather than anxious.
A traditional funeral gives families in Portslade the time and space to gather, share memories and say a proper goodbye. Whether you picture a church service, a chapel at one of the local crematoria or a graveside gathering, we will shape the day around the person you are honouring.
From the coffin and the cars to the order of service and the music, every detail is arranged with care. You tell us what feels right for your family, and we make sure it happens quietly and correctly on the day, so you can be present for one another rather than worrying about the logistics.
Not everyone wants a formal service, and that is perfectly all right. A direct cremation is a simple, dignified option where the cremation takes place without a ceremony, leaving you free to remember your loved one privately or hold your own gathering later at a time that suits the whole family.
Many Portslade families choose this because it is straightforward and more affordable, yet it never feels cold or impersonal in our hands. We look after everything respectfully and return the ashes to you so you can decide, without any pressure, what happens next.
For families who would prefer a service without religious content, a celebrant-led funeral is a warm and personal way to say goodbye. A celebrant will meet you, learn about the person who has died and write a service that reflects their life, their character and the things that mattered to them.
These services can be held at a crematorium chapel, a burial ground or another venue that feels right. If you would like a fuller, more personal ceremony, our attended bespoke cremation funeral lets you combine a celebrant-led service with a cremation, tailored entirely to your wishes.
If faith was important to your loved one, we will make sure their funeral honours it fully. We work regularly with local churches, ministers and faith communities across the Portslade area, and we understand the customs, timings and traditions that matter within different faiths.
Whether you would like a service at a place of worship, a chapel at one of the local crematoria or a graveside blessing, we will liaise with the right people on your behalf and make sure everything is carried out with reverence and respect.
Some families feel drawn to a more natural farewell, and we are always glad to help. A woodland or green funeral uses eco-friendly coffins and gentle, low-impact choices for families who care about the environment, offering a peaceful and natural way to say goodbye.
If you would prefer a burial, we arrange these at Woodvale Cemetery, Bear Road Cemetery or Brighton and Preston Cemetery, which serve the Portslade area. We will guide you through choosing a plot, the paperwork and the day itself, so the whole process feels manageable and calm.
Planning ahead is a thoughtful thing to do, both for yourself and 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 a painful time.
We will sit down with you, with no pressure at all, and talk through exactly what you would like. Everything is written down clearly, so when the time comes your family in Portslade simply needs to call us and we take care of the rest, just as you asked.
The small details are often what make a funeral feel truly personal. We offer a wide range of coffins and urns, from classic and traditional through to simple, natural and contemporary designs, so you can choose something that genuinely suits your loved one.
Beyond the coffin, there are many gentle ways to make the day their own, from favourite flowers and music to a particular colour, a treasured photograph or a memento carried into the service. We are always happy to suggest ideas and help you bring them to life.
Worrying about money on top of grief is the last thing any family needs, so we keep our pricing open and easy to understand. Before you commit to anything, we will give you a clear written estimate that sets out what is included, with no hidden extras and no surprises later on.
We offer affordable and simple funerals alongside more traditional services, and we will always help you find the option that fits your budget as well as your wishes. Whatever you choose, the same care and respect goes into every funeral we carry out in Portslade.
We are a small, independent, family-run firm, not a large chain, and that shows in the way we look after every family who comes to us. Here is what you can expect when you place your trust in us.
We are based just along the coast at 185 Portland Road in Hove, BN3 5QJ, which is only a short journey from Portslade Village and Portslade-by-Sea. We look after families right across the Portslade area, and we are always happy to come to you if that is easier. Wherever you are, you will speak to Philip or Sallie directly.
The two crematoria serving Portslade are Woodvale Crematorium on Lewes Road in Brighton and The Downs Crematorium on Bear Road in Brighton. We know both of them well and will handle all the bookings and arrangements for you. You simply tell us your preference and we take care of the rest.
Burials for the Portslade area usually take place at Woodvale Cemetery, Bear Road Cemetery or Brighton and Preston Cemetery. We will help you choose a plot, complete the paperwork and arrange the service. Everything is handled with care so the day feels calm and unhurried.
A death of someone who lived in the Portslade area is registered at the Brighton and Hove Register Office at Brighton Town Hall. We will explain exactly what you need to bring and what to expect when you get there. If anything feels confusing, just ask us and we will talk you through it.
The cost depends on the type of funeral you choose, which is why we always give you a clear written estimate before you commit to anything. We offer affordable and simple options as well as more traditional services, with no hidden extras. We will happily help you find something that fits your budget and your wishes.
Yes, of course. Many families in Portslade choose a non-religious, celebrant-led service, which is written entirely around the person who has died. It can include personal stories, favourite music and readings, and can feel very much like a celebration of life. We will introduce you to an experienced local celebrant.
If a death is expected, please call the doctor first, and then call us whenever you are ready, day or night. If it is unexpected, you should call the emergency services, who will advise you on what happens next. Once you are ready, we will come to bring your loved one into our care.
Yes, and it is a kind thing to do for your family. A prepaid funeral plan lets you record your wishes and fix the cost of our services at today's prices. We will guide you through it gently, with no pressure, so everything is settled and your family knows exactly what you wanted.
If you have lost someone, or you would simply like to talk through your options, we are here for you at any hour. Philip or Sallie are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 01273 736469 or 07789 174453, and there is never any obligation to go ahead. You can also contact our team and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Whenever you call, you will find a calm, friendly voice ready to help.