14/05/2026
What do you do with ashes after cremation?
It’s one of the questions many families quietly find themselves asking after saying goodbye to someone they love.
For some, the answer is keeping ashes close to home. For others, it may be finding a peaceful, meaningful place to return them to nature.
One option many families don’t realise is possible is placing ashes into the sea.
In the UK, no special permission is normally required to scatter cremated ashes at sea, although local guidance and bylaws should always be checked, as some areas such as harbours, marinas and enclosed waters may have restrictions.
Many families take comfort from choosing clean, open, free-flowing water, with space, privacy and time to say goodbye in their own way.
A farewell at sea can be:
🌸 flowers or petals placed gently on the water
🎵 favourite music, hymns or mantras played onboard
🙏 religious prayers or blessings
🕊️ a non-religious celebration of life
🤍 or simply a quiet, private moment together offshore
There is no single right way to say goodbye.
What matters is that it feels respectful, personal and right for the family.
For anyone wondering what to do with ashes after cremation, we have put together some helpful guidance here:
https://ashesscatteredatsea.co.uk/what-to-do-with-ashes-after-cremation/
💙💙