5 things to do with ashes after cremation

After cremation, families in the UK typically choose one of five options for their loved one's ashes: scattering them in a meaningful place, keeping them at home, interring them in a permanent location, dividing them between family members, or creating a lasting memorial from a small amount.

There is no single right answer. The decision is deeply personal and often shaped by the wishes of your loved one, your family, and what feels right at the time. This guide covers each option in plain terms, with practical information to help you decide.

Deciding what feels right

You may already have a sense of what your loved one would have wanted. They might have mentioned a favourite place, a preference for being close to family, or a wish to return to nature. If not, that’s okay.

There is no time pressure. Some families make a decision quickly; others take months or longer. What matters is choosing something that feels right for you.

Keeping ashes at home or worn

Keeping ashes at home allows you to feel close to your loved one in a quiet and personal way. Some people choose a traditional urn, while others prefer something more subtle that fits naturally into the home or that can be worn or kept in a pocket close by.

You might:

Keep ashes in a discreet container
Divide a small amount between family members
Create a small keepsake that can be held or worn

Using a small amount of ashes to create something tangible can feel more comforting than storing everything in one place.

Scattering ashes

Scattering ashes is a common and meaningful way to say goodbye.

It can be a simple, quiet moment or something shared with family and friends. Many people choose places that meant something to their loved one.

Where can you scatter ashes?

In the UK, you can:

Scatter ashes on your own land
Scatter ashes at sea or in open water
Scatter in certain public places with permission

Common choices include:

Beaches
Gardens
Woodland or countryside
Rivers or lakes

If scattering on private land or in rivers and canals, always ask permission from the relevant authority.

Practical tips for scattering

Check the direction of the wind and stand upwind
Release ashes slowly, ideally below waist height
Choose a calm day where possible
Be mindful of other people nearby

Some families also choose to place a small marker, such as a memorial stone, to create a lasting point of connection.

Interring ashes (placing them in a permanent location)

Interring means placing ashes in a fixed location. This also includes burial.

This might be:

A garden
A burial plot
A memorial garden
A columbarium

This approach gives you a place to return to and can bring a sense of permanence.

Sharing ashes with family

Ashes can be divided so that different family members can keep or scatter them in their own way.

This can be especially helpful when:

Family members live in different places
Different people want different forms of remembrance

Keeping a small amount for a personal memorial while scattering the rest is also common.

Create something lasting from ashes

Some families choose to transform a small amount of ashes into something they can keep, hold, or place somewhere meaningful.

Options include:

Glass or jewellery
Ceramic stones and other memorials
Small keepsakes

Afterstone uses a small amount of ashes to create ceramic stones and other pieces such as hearts, bowls and vases that can be held, kept at home, or placed in a garden or natural setting. This allows families to scatter or inter ashes while still keeping a tangible connection.

Making the moment meaningful

Whether you scatter, inter, or keep ashes, many families choose to say a few words. This doesn’t need to be formal. Even a short sentence can bring a sense of closure.

Some people: