Cemeteries

Where is my nearest cemetery?

View details and locations of cemeteries and churchyards we maintain

Can I report a maintenance issue with a cemetery or churchyard?

We cut the grass, maintain floral areas and keep paths and walkways tidy. If you think we have fallen short of the standard you expect, or if you discover vandalism or desecration at one of our cemeteries, please let us know:

Report a maintenance issue at a cemetery or churchyard

What are the opening times at the council cemeteries?

Summer

The Cemetery opening times for the summer months (1 April to 30 September) are: 

• Weekdays (Monday to Friday) - 8am to 7pm 
• Weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and Bank Holidays - 9am to 7pm.

Winter

During the winter months (1 October to 31 March) opening times are: 

• Weekdays (Monday to Friday) - 8am to 4pm 
• Weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and Bank Holidays - 9am to 4pm 
• The Cemeteries are open on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Does the council run any crematoria?

No, both crematoria in the East Riding are privately-run, and not associated with East Riding of Yorkshire Council. 

View contact details for crematoria in the East Riding

What are the cemetery charges? 

How do I arrange a burial?

The following pdf document provides advice on how to arrange a burial:

Advice on how to arrange a burial (pdf 227kb)

If you are making arrangements through a funeral director, they will take care of everything. 

If you are making arrangements yourself, please email the Cemeteries Administration office: cemeteriesadmin@eastriding.gov.uk

If you need to change the Deed of Ownership of an existing grave the following pdf document provides all of the details required to complete this process.

Transfer of Exclusive Rights of Burial (pdf 100kb)

How do I arrange a 'green' burial?

Green burials are a sustainable burial option with a minimal environmental impact. We currently have a Green Burial site at Driffield Cemetery. The following pdf contains more information and details of how to arrange a Green Burial:

Information on Green Burials (pdf 51kb) 

How do I request a plot in a cemetery or garden of rest?

Request a plot in a cemetery or garden of rest

How do I request a memorial plaque for a plot in a garden of rest?

Request a plaque for a plot in a garden of rest 

Please note: only the deed holder of the plot can request a plaque.

How do I arrange getting a headstone onto a grave?

The placement of a headstone or alterations to an existing headstone in an East Riding of Yorkshire Council cemetery can only be carried out by a mason who is accredited by National Association of Memorial Masons. 

 The mason will submit a permit for work application which can only be authorised by the deed holder for the grave/plot. 

 The regulations regarding dimensions of a headstone, etc. can be found in the relevant cemetery handbook below.

What are the rules and regulations for council cemeteries?

The rules and regulations for the cemeteries differ slightly depending on what burial areas are available at each :

Anlaby Cemetery Handbook (pdf 881kb) Beverley Cemetery Handbook (pdf489kb) Bridlington Cemetery Handbook (pdf 517kb) Cottingham Cemetery Handbook (pdf 496kb) Driffield Cemetery Handbook (pdf 651kb) Hessle Cemetery Handbook (pdf 513kb)

Why is a headstone laid down or staked in place?

Following a number of fatal accidents involving large headstones and children in cemeteries outside the East Riding, we have reviewed the way in which we manage the memorials within our cemeteries. 

Adhering to an inspection programme promoted by the National Association of Memorial Masons, each headstone is given a slight push and if any movement is felt the headstone may not have the correct fixings so has to be staked in place, or if it is really loose and in danger of falling it will be laid down. These are temporary measures until you can get it fixed - usually by the stonemason which supplied your headstone.

Please report a damaged headstone, providing the grave details (found on the back of the headstone) and the name of the deed holder. We will get in touch with you to tell you why the headstone was deemed unsafe, and inform you how you can get it repaired.

Can I trace a grave?

Yes, please call us on (01482) 395880 and we'll be happy to help where possible.