Crematorium opens to public to mark 60 years
By Rachel Candlin - West
Published on April 25, 2026.
Swindon Borough Council, which runs Kingsdown Crematorium in Swindon, is hosting an open day to mark its 60th anniversary. The public will be able to see areas usually closed to the private, which have traditionally been closed. The crematorium was built in 1966 on the site of a former manor, Kingsdown House. It has been a "centre point" for grieving families since its opening, with Rebecca Hillier, whose great-grandfather started the funeral firm in 1923. There have been a shift in how families engage with crematoria, with more people seeking to celebrate life with a fun remembrance rather than a sad occasion.
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