
Let our Family be there for your Family
Bedford Norse Road Crematorium
Nestled within the extensive Norse Road Cemetery grounds in Bedford, Norse Road Crematorium combines craftsmanship, tradition and modern technology to create a calm, respectful setting for a funeral service or cremation service. The light‑oak pews, hand‑built by East Anglian artisan Toby Winterton, seat up to 150 mourners, while large windows frame mature trees in every season. Opened in 1995 and recently upgraded with Obitus media, it remains a trusted choice for families across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire.
Why Families Choose Norse Road Crematorium
- Spacious 150‑seat chapel with additional standing room—ideal for both intimate farewells and larger celebrations.
- Obitus webcast & tribute system delivers live HD streaming, photo slideshows and curated playlists.
- Accessible location off the A421 & A603 ring road, keeping travel times short for Bedford and surrounding villages.
- Landscaped Garden of Remembrance divided into seasonal sections for peaceful scattering and reflection.
- Dedicated parking complex with over 120 marked bays across two car parks and coach space for larger corteges.

Chapel & Facilities
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Chapel capacity | 150 seated in handcrafted timber pews; extra standing in foyer |
Service slot | 45 minute booking (30 minute service + 15 minute arrival/departure); double slot available for extended celebrations |
Audio visual | Obitus media, twin 65 inch screens, lectern mic, induction loop |
Postcode for sat nav | MK41 0RL – 104 Norse Road, Bedford |
Parking | 120+ spaces across main & overflow car parks; coach drop off available |
Waiting facilities | Hot & cold drinks dispenser, accessible WCs, Book of Remembrance display |
Location & Travel Tips
The crematorium sits just east of Bedford town centre at 104 Norse Road, MK41 0RL, close to the A421 Bedford Bypass.
Public transport: Stagecoach routes 6 and 9 stop on Norse Road, a flat five‑minute walk to the chapel entrance.
Procession advice: Morning school‑run traffic on Goldington Road can delay hearses. Our funeral directors time departures via the A4280 to ensure an unhurried arrival.
How We Support Families Here
Arrival & seating assurance – Reserved front‑row pews for close family and priority parking bays mean loved ones settle quickly and comfortably.
Media peace of mind – A Regency technician uploads tribute files and checks sound levels 45 minutes ahead, ensuring a seamless funeral service for in‑person and online guests.
Personal touches – From personalised scatter‑tube engraving to floral arrangements echoing favourite colours, our team liaises with chapel staff to honour every detail.
Aftercare & memorials – We guide families through ashes collection, seasonal garden scattering's and lasting memorial plaques. Practical help continues via our After a Loss Hub.

Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance can we book a service at Norse Road Crematorium?
The booking diary for Norse Road Crematorium opens 12 months in advance, allowing families to choose preferred dates and times without rush. Early booking also helps us secure overflow parking and additional media time for a relaxed day. In urgent cases, Regency Funeral Directors can usually confirm a booking within 48 to 72 hours, provided all paperwork is complete and the medical referee has approved the arrangements. We aim to accommodate every family’s timeline with sensitivity and professionalism to ensure a dignified farewell.
What length of service slot is standard here?
A standard booking provides a 45-minute window: 30 minutes for the service and 15 minutes for arrival and departure. This timing suits most funerals, allowing guests to settle comfortably. For families planning more elaborate celebrations of life involving live music, multiple readings, or an extended eulogy, a double booking of 90 minutes can be arranged. This flexibility helps families personalise the farewell to reflect their loved one’s life and legacy in a meaningful and unhurried way.
Can we livestream the funeral?
Yes. Norse Road Crematorium uses the Obitus media system to offer secure HD livestreaming of funeral services. Viewers receive a unique URL and password the day before the service, ensuring privacy. Should a viewer’s internet connection falter, the system automatically adjusts video quality to maintain the stream. Additionally, families can access a 28-day on-demand recording and request downloadable MP4 copies. This service ensures distant or medically vulnerable relatives can participate in the farewell with ease and dignity.
Are religious and non-religious services equally supported?
Absolutely. Norse Road Crematorium is a non-denominational facility equipped to accommodate a broad range of beliefs and customs. Movable religious symbols, an organ, and a lectern help tailor the space for Church of England, Catholic, Hindu, Humanist, or secular ceremonies. Our team works closely with ministers, civil celebrants, and humanist officiants to help create a service that genuinely reflects your values and wishes. This respectful, inclusive approach ensures every family feels supported and honoured.
Is the crematorium child friendly?
Yes. The crematorium is welcoming to families with children. Pushchairs can navigate the flat thresholds and wide entrances easily, ensuring smooth access. A waiting foyer provides space for brief time-outs if children become restless, and we offer memory box activities or colouring packs to gently engage younger family members in the ceremony. Supporting families of all ages is a priority, helping children feel included and cared for during what can be a challenging occasion.
What floral and multimedia options are available?
Families may place loose flower stems on the coffin, with larger floral arrangements lining the aisle or resting on outside trestles before being moved to the Garden of Remembrance. Photo montages and favourite music may play on loop as mourners arrive, creating a warm and personalised atmosphere. Using the Obitus system, families can incorporate video tributes and curated playlists, allowing for meaningful celebration through visuals and sound. Our team is happy to guide you in choosing options that best honour your loved one.
How is parking managed for very large funerals?
Norse Road Crematorium has over 120 marked car parking spaces across two car parks and dedicated space for coaches. For funerals expecting more than 120 vehicles, both car parks open simultaneously. Our conductors liaise with the cemetery superintendent to deploy marshals who manage traffic flow and ensure a dignified arrival process. This careful organisation provides a calm environment for families and guests, reducing stress and allowing everyone to focus on celebrating and remembering their loved one.
Can ashes be scattered elsewhere if we hold the funeral here?
Yes, many families choose to scatter ashes in woodland areas, private gardens, or family graves after a cremation at Norse Road. The crematorium provides certified scatter tubes and biodegradable urns for eco-friendly options. We can also arrange a separate committal or scattering ceremony at a location of your choice, allowing you to honour your loved one in a place with personal significance. Our team will support you throughout this process to ensure it is handled with care and respect.
What memorial options are available in the Garden of Remembrance?
The Garden of Remembrance at Norse Road offers several memorial options including plaques, rose bushes, and seasonal planting beds. Families can choose granite tablets, metal leaf plaques on memorial trees, or personalized rose bushes as lasting tributes. A dedicated Memorial Advisor is available to help you select the best memorial and guide you through the process, ensuring your loved one’s memory is honoured in a way that reflects their life and your family’s wishes.
What ongoing support does Regency offer after the funeral?
Regency Funeral Directors provide ongoing support well beyond the funeral day. We assist with paperwork such as Bereavement Support Payments and probate, and help connect families with local bereavement resources and support groups. Our regular coffee mornings near the funeral home offer a welcoming space to share memories and find companionship with others who have experienced loss. We are committed to being there for you every step of the way, providing care, compassion, and practical help when you need it most.
Who should we contact to arrange a funeral or cremation at Norse Road Crematorium?
Call NowOur caring and experienced team is available 24/7 to support you with funeral or cremation arrangements at Bedford Norse Road Crematorium. Contact Regency Funeral Directors anytime on 01480 759 408 for personalised assistance, guidance on the crematorium facilities, or to discuss your options. We are dedicated to helping families navigate this difficult time with warmth, professionalism, and respect.
Let our Family be there for your Family

Arrange a funeral or cremation service at Bedford Norse Road Crematorium
Call our caring team on
01480 759 408 or request a call‑back—available 24 hours.