Losing someone you love is one of the hardest things any of us will ever face, and knowing where to turn in those first hours can feel overwhelming. As independent, family-run funeral directors serving Rottingdean, we are here to take the weight off your shoulders and guide you gently through every decision, at a pace that feels right for you.
Sussex Funeral Services is run by Philip and Sallie, who look after every family personally from our home at 185 Portland Road, Hove, BN3 5QJ. We are a small, hands-on team rather than a large chain, which means the people you speak to at the start are the same people who will care for your loved one and stand beside you on the day.
Whether you would like a full traditional service, a simple and affordable farewell, or a direct cremation with no fuss, we will listen first and explain your options clearly. Philip and Sallie are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so there is always a familiar voice at the end of the phone when you need one.
Rottingdean is a historic coastal village just east of Brighton on the A259, loved for its windmill up on Beacon Hill, the village pond and the pretty High Street. It is a place with real character and deep roots, from St Margaret's Church to its links with Rudyard Kipling and the painter Sir William Nicholson, and we feel it is a privilege to look after families in a community that holds its history so dearly.
We regularly care for families across Rottingdean and the surrounding villages, including Ovingdean, Saltdean and Woodingdean. If you are arranging a service a little closer to the sea, you may also find it helpful to read about our care for families as funeral directors in nearby areas, such as our page for funeral directors in Ovingdean.
For cremations, the two crematoria that serve the Rottingdean area are Woodvale Crematorium on Lewes Road in Brighton and The Downs Crematorium on Bear Road in Brighton. Burials are usually held at Woodvale Cemetery, Bear Road Cemetery or Brighton and Preston Cemetery. When it comes to the paperwork, deaths in this area are registered at the Brighton and Hove Register Office at Brighton Town Hall, and we will guide you through exactly what to do and when.
A traditional funeral gives family and friends the chance to come together, say a proper goodbye and mark a life that mattered. For many Rottingdean families this means a service at St Margaret's Church or another local place of worship, followed by a cremation or burial, with time afterwards to share memories over refreshments.
We will handle every detail so you can focus on being present with the people you love. From the care of your loved one and the choice of coffin to the hearse, the order of service and the flowers, nothing is too small for us to look after on your behalf.
A direct cremation is a simple, dignified cremation without a formal service beforehand. It suits families who prefer something quiet, uncomplicated and affordable, or who would rather hold their own celebration of life later, in their own time and their own way.
We carry out every direct cremation with exactly the same respect and attention we bring to any funeral. Your loved one is always in safe, caring hands, and we will return the ashes to you afterwards so you can decide what feels right for your family.
Not everyone wants a religious service, and that is absolutely fine. A celebrant-led funeral puts your loved one at the very centre of the day, telling their story in their own words, with the music, readings and personal touches that truly reflect who they were.
We work with experienced local celebrants who take the time to get to know your family. If you would like to explore this route, you can read more about non-religious and celebrant-led funerals and we will happily talk everything through with you.
For families who hold their faith close, we are proud to arrange funerals that honour your beliefs and traditions with genuine care. Whether the service is Church of England, Roman Catholic, or from another faith or denomination, we will work respectfully alongside your minister, priest or faith leader.
We understand that certain customs need to be observed carefully and often quickly, and we will make sure every detail is handled correctly and without delay so your family can grieve and pray in the way that matters to you.
Some families feel a burial is the right way to lay a loved one to rest, and we will guide you through every option available near Rottingdean. Local burials usually take place at Woodvale Cemetery, Bear Road Cemetery or Brighton and Preston Cemetery, and we will handle the arrangements with the cemetery on your behalf.
If you would prefer a gentler, more natural farewell, we can also arrange woodland and green funerals, with eco-friendly coffins and simpler, more sustainable choices. Whatever feels right for your family, we will explain it plainly and never rush your decision.
Planning ahead is a thoughtful and loving thing to do. A prepaid funeral plan lets you set out your wishes in advance 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, with no pressure at all, and help you put together a plan that reflects exactly what you would like. It is a quiet reassurance to know everything is in order, both for you and for those you love.
The small, personal details are often what families remember most. We offer a wide choice of coffins and urns, from classic and traditional through to simpler, natural and eco-friendly designs, so you can choose something that feels right for your loved one.
Beyond the practical choices, we love helping families make a service truly personal. A favourite piece of music, a particular flower, treasured photographs or a much-loved hobby woven into the day can turn a funeral into a warm and fitting celebration of a life well lived.
Worrying about money at a time like this is the last thing any family needs, so we believe in being open and straightforward about costs from the very start. We will give you clear figures in writing, explain exactly what is included, and never push you towards anything you do not want or cannot comfortably afford.
From simple and affordable funerals to fuller traditional services, we will help you find something that suits both your wishes and your budget. If any part of the pricing feels unclear, just ask, and we will explain it properly.
Choosing who will care for someone you love is a big decision, and one you should never feel rushed into. Here is what families across Rottingdean tell us matters most about the way we work.
Yes, we care for families right across Rottingdean and the surrounding area, including Ovingdean, Saltdean and Woodingdean. Although we are based in Hove, we come to you and are only ever a short journey away. Wherever you are near the village, Philip or Sallie will be glad to help.
The two crematoria that serve Rottingdean are Woodvale Crematorium on Lewes Road in Brighton and The Downs Crematorium on Bear Road in Brighton. We will arrange everything with your chosen crematorium on your behalf. We can also talk you through the differences between them so you can decide what feels right.
Burials for families in the Rottingdean area are usually held at Woodvale Cemetery, Bear Road Cemetery or Brighton and Preston Cemetery. We will handle all the arrangements with the cemetery for you. If you would prefer a natural or woodland burial, we can explain those options too.
Deaths in this area are registered at the Brighton and Hove Register Office at Brighton Town Hall. You will usually need to make an appointment to do this. We will explain exactly what documents you need and what happens at each stage, so nothing feels confusing.
Please just pick up the phone and call us, at any hour of the day or night. If the death was expected and at home, a doctor will normally need to confirm it first, and we can then bring your loved one into our care. We will gently talk you through the very next steps and there is no rush to make any big decisions straight away.
Absolutely, and many families now choose exactly that. We work with experienced local celebrants who build the whole service around your loved one, their character and their story. You are welcome to include as much or as little religious content as you wish, or none at all.
Yes, we offer prepaid funeral plans that let you set out your wishes in advance and fix the cost of our services at today's prices. It is a caring way to take the worry away from your family later on. We will sit down with you and explain everything clearly, with no pressure at all.
We keep our pricing clear and honest, and we offer simple and affordable options as well as fuller traditional services. You will always be told what is included, and we will help you find something that suits your budget. If you have any questions about cost, you can also take a look at our funeral FAQs or simply ask us.
If you have lost someone, or you would simply like to talk things through, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Philip and Sallie are here for Rottingdean families 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never any pressure or obligation. You can reach us any time on 01273 736469 or 07789 174453, and we will listen, reassure you and guide you through whatever comes next.