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Funeral Services for All Faiths and Beliefs

At Hillier’s Funeral Service, we understand that every funeral is deeply personal – and often shaped by faith, culture, and symbolism. Whether you follow a particular religion or none at all, we believe every life deserves a funeral that reflects its unique story, values, and spiritual beliefs.

Our family-run team is proud to offer funeral planning support for families across Swindon and beyond, catering to a wide spectrum of traditions, from Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Buddhist and Jewish customs to Humanist, spiritual or fully non-religious ceremonies.

No two lives are the same, and no two funerals should be either. At Hillier’s Funeral Service, we believe in providing compassionate, expertly tailored farewell ceremonies that honour all faiths, beliefs, and traditions. Our experienced team helps you craft a meaningful send-off imbued with resonance, respect, and personal significance.

  1. We Respect All Faiths and None

We’ve guided families through many types of funerals, each one as individual as the person being remembered. According to the National Bereavement Service, understanding the symbolic rituals of different religions – from Islamic Janazah prayers to Hindu cremation rites or Christian hymns – is vital to providing sensitive and meaningful support.

At Hillier’s, we ensure that religious leaders, readings, music and rituals are honoured exactly as needed, while also helping families navigate logistical aspects like timings, venues and permissions with calm, respectful guidance.

  1. Blending Beliefs and Cultures with Care

Modern funerals are often a fusion of different cultures or spiritual beliefs.

“People may choose a ceremony rooted in one faith but make adaptations—such as music or readings—to include others or reflect their personal worldview.”

Whether you’re planning a Christian service with a civil celebrant, a Buddhist farewell with a memory slideshow, or a secular cremation with personal prayers and poems, our flexible approach ensures your loved one’s legacy is honoured just as they would have wished.

  1. The Rise of the Personalised Funeral

The UK is seeing a significant shift toward more personalised funerals. A 2019 study reported by The Independent found that more than half of the funeral directors (53%) said they are seeing a move away from tradition and an increase in people wanting a unique service that reflects the deceased’s life.

We support this movement wholeheartedly. From favourite songs and poetry readings to custom floral tributes, keepsakes, or live-streamed ceremonies, Hillier’s makes it possible to build a funeral that feels truly personal, without losing touch with important beliefs or traditions.

  1. Spiritual, Religious, and Symbolic Needs Met with Expertise

According to researchers at Goldsmiths, University of London, the line between religious and secular funerals is increasingly blurred, with families mixing symbolic rituals, personal meanings, and shared values in the same service:

“The everyday funeral is neither entirely religious nor completely secular… People use symbolic elements that meet emotional and spiritual needs.”

Our team is trained to understand this blend. Whether it’s lighting candles, reading scripture, sharing memories, or offering moments of stillness, we ensure every element of the funeral carries meaning and comfort for those grieving.

Why Families Trust Hillier’s for Inclusive Funerals

  • Cultural & Religious Expertise – Our team is experienced in a wide range of funeral customs.
  • Trained Celebrants & Clergy Partnerships – We connect families with the right faith leaders or celebrants.
  • Tailored Support – We listen closely to every detail and adapt the funeral around your preferences.
  • No Judgment, Just Care – Whether traditional or contemporary, religious or symbolic, we’re here to help.

Final Thoughts

At Hillier’s Funeral Service, we’re committed to honouring every life with compassion, respect, and attention to spiritual or symbolic meaning. Whether rooted in centuries of faith or shaped by personal values, your loved one’s funeral will be guided by our promise: to create a ceremony that reflects who they were, and what they meant to you.

Let us walk beside you as you honour your loved one’s life, beliefs, and legacy. Speak to one of our friendly team members today.

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Funeral Directors in Swindon You Can Rely On: The Hillier’s Difference

Choosing the right funeral provider during a time of loss is deeply personal. At Hillier’s Funeral Service, we understand both the emotional and practical aspects of saying goodbye. As a supportive, family-run funeral home with deep Swindon roots since 1923, we provide compassionate care, professional expertise, and community trust to ensure your loved one receives the send-off they deserve.

  1. A Family Legacy Rooted in Community

With over 100 years of service and now four generations caring for Swindon families, Hillier’s is not just part of the community, we are the community. Our original branches in Swindon, Highworth, and Royal Wootton Bassett (with a new opening in 2025) reflect our long-standing dedication to local families. That legacy builds trust – people know us, see us, and rely on us in their most vulnerable moments.

  1. Truly Personalised, Compassionate Support

As an independent, family-run service, we’re free from corporate restrictions – which means our focus is 100% on you, not shareholders. We cherish getting to know each family story, enabling us to craft bespoke funerals that feel deeply personal. Whether it’s a woodland burial, a direct cremation, or a non-religious ceremony, no request is too small. Our bereavement support continues well beyond the day of the service, offering ongoing care to help families navigate grief.

  1. Professional Expertise Easing the Journey

Arranging a funeral involves countless details – from legal paperwork to coordinating venues, flowers, and transport. As experts, we step in to manage all practicalities, easing your burden during an emotionally charged period. Whether liaising with churches, crematoriums or planning for celebrants, our knowledge ensures each funeral runs smoothly and respectfully.

  1. Transparent Pricing & Tailored Packages

We believe in open, honest pricing. Our online cost calculator and clear pricing details allow families to plan according to their wishes and budget. Unlike corporate providers, we’re able to offer flexible, bespoke packages, and pre-paid funeral plans, for greater peace of mind.

  1. Deep Community Ties & Local Understanding

Our intimate knowledge of the local area allows us to honour traditions and cultural nuances that matter most to you. We partner with local florists, clergy, venue hosts, and support services to create meaningful, seamless events – rooted in community, delivered with warmth.

  1. Ongoing Bereavement Care & Emotional Support

Losing someone is just the beginning of a journey. Our free, dedicated bereavement care service supports families well after the funeral has ended. From practical advice to local grief groups, we’re committed to walking alongside you – every step – offering comfort when you need it most.

In Summary

  • A century-long family legacy of care in Swindon and surrounding areas
  • Truly personalised services, crafted to reflect individual lives and wishes
  • Expert logistical and emotional support throughout every stage
  • Transparent, flexible pricing designed for peace of mind
  • Deep local ties that bring cultural understanding and community resources
  • Continued bereavement support beyond the funeral day

At Hillier’s Funeral Service, support is more than a word, it’s our promise. Your loved one deserves a farewell that reflects their life and legacy. Our community trusts us to help you deliver exactly that.

Let us show you why, for local families, we’ll always be the first choice.

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What is a Direct Cremation – and is it right for you and your family?

When we lose someone we love, it’s natural to want to honour them in a way that feels right.

The reality of death brings both emotional challenges and practical considerations as families prepare for the loss of a loved one.

But the idea of a traditional funeral doesn’t resonate with everyone.

In recent years, more people in the UK have been choosing a quieter, simpler option: the direct cremation. But what exactly does that mean, and how do you know if it’s the right choice for you or your loved one?

When someone dies, there are important steps to take, and after a person has died, families must make decisions and arrangements that mark the transition from life to death.

Let’s gently explore what direct cremation involves and why more people are choosing this alternative send-off for themselves and their loved ones.

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A Complete Farewell at Kingshill House

Hillier Funeral Service, a family-run business serving Swindon since 1923, offers families the unique opportunity to hold both funeral services and wakes at their beautifully restored Kingshill House in Old Town. This all-in-one venue provides a serene and private setting, allowing families to celebrate their loved ones’ lives without the need to travel between locations (Hillier Funeral Service). 

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How to choose the right funeral director

When a loved one dies, selecting a funeral director is one of the first and most important decisions you will need to make. But as many people have never arranged a funeral before, it can be a difficult decision to make, so we’ve created this useful guide to help you make the right decision for you and your loved one.

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Direct cremations. why choose hillier funeral service over online companies

Direct Cremations in Swindon: Why Choose Hillier Funeral Service Over Online Companies

In recent years, direct cremations have become an increasingly popular choice for families in Swindon, a trend significantly fueled by online companies investing millions in daytime television advertising.

While the appeal of a simple, cost-effective farewell is understandable, it’s vital to recognise the significant differences between these online service providers and the personalised care offered by local funeral directors like Hillier Funeral Service.

A direct cremation involves the cremation of a loved one without a formal service or mourners attending the crematorium, with the ashes returned to the family afterwards. However, this seemingly straightforward process can vary significantly depending on who you choose.

When opting for Hillier Funeral Service, your loved one remains here in Swindon, cared for in our established funeral home. This contrasts sharply with online providers who often transport the deceased to large, distant mortuary facilities.

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