Funeral transport and hearse alternatives
When planning a funeral, choosing the right transport—for both the coffin and your loved ones—is an important part of creating a meaningful farewell. At H J Newington Independent Family Funeral Directors, we offer a range of funeral transport options, including traditional hearses, limousines, and personalised alternatives. Each vehicle is chauffeur-driven by trained funeral directors and can be customised with ribbons, flowers, and unique tributes to reflect the deceased’s personality and interests.
Unique Funeral Transport Ideas
Many people now consider alternative transport for funerals to create a more personalised and memorable experience. From campervans for outdoor enthusiasts to motorbike corteges for avid bikers, there are countless options to suit your loved one’s personality.
With our extensive experience across Brighton, Hove, and Portslade, our team can help you find the perfect transport to honour your loved one’s life. Here are some of the alternative options we can arrange for you.
Fire Engine Hearses
For a fitting tribute to someone who worked in the emergency services or had a love of fire engines, a fire engine hearse offers a meaningful and unique farewell. We offer both vintage and modern fire engines and can even provide firefighter uniforms for the funeral director and pallbearers for an authentic touch.
Flatbed Lorries, Tractors & Commercial Vehicles
If your loved one had a passion for lorries, tractors, or construction vehicles, we can help arrange a transport option that celebrates their life and career. We ensure all vehicles are safely adapted to carry the coffin properly and meet all regulatory requirements.
We also offer personalisation options for the service, including a range of different coloured drapes, plumes, and tack that can be selected at the time of arranging the funeral service. Our turnouts are subject to availability as teams of horses may be limited.
All of our horses are immaculately dressed in English patent leather harnesses and full traditional collars, and our professional coachmen have decades of experience in driving horse drawn funeral carriages. They pride themselves on wearing traditional Victorian livery and can lead the horses and hearse from either your family home or our funeral home to the crematorium or church.
Campervan Hearses
For those with a sense of adventure or a love for the outdoors, campervan hearses provide a light-hearted yet respectful alternative. Whether it’s a classic Volkswagen campervan or another style that reflects their personality, these vehicles can be beautifully decorated with ribbons and flowers.
Bus Hearses and Transport
Using a bus as a hearse not only creates a unique farewell but also allows friends and family to travel together. A bus hearse can carry the coffin on a specially adapted platform along with floral tributes, while also offering a way for loved ones to share the final journey alongside the deceased.
Motorbike Hearses
Celebrate a biker’s love for the open road with a motorbike hearse. From sidecar hearses to motorcycle-towed options, these provide a personal and fitting tribute for motorbike enthusiasts.
TV and Film-Inspired Vehicles
For fans of iconic TV shows or films, themed hearses based on their favourite programme or movie are a popular choice. These vehicles add a touch of individuality to the funeral ceremony.
Horse-Drawn Hearses
Classic and timeless, horse-drawn hearses are a sophisticated choice for those who appreciate traditional elegance. Typically featuring black horses with feather plumes, these ornate carriages can also be styled in unique ways, like princess carriages or white-horse arrangements with pink ribbons.
Tips for Choosing Funeral Transport
1. Reflect Their Personality
Consider what mode of transport best represents your loved one’s life, passions, or career.
2. Consult Your Funeral Director
With their knowledge and expertise, your funeral director can recommend and arrange reliable, safe options.
3. Personalise the Details
Add a unique touch, from floral arrangements to ribbons and themed accessories.
Don’t Hesitate to Ask
At H J Newington, we believe every life deserves a personalised farewell. If you have an idea that feels unconventional, please don’t hesitate to ask. Whether you’re arranging a traditional service or looking for something bespoke, we’re here to help.
Our experienced teams in Brighton, Hove, and Portslade are ready to assist you with all aspects of funeral transport. Contact us today to explore your options for creating a meaningful and respectful farewell.
Helpful information
Please find below some pages that provide helpful information as you prepare for a funeral.