top of page
Waves crashing on a beach

Compassionate funeral services in Plymouth

Knapman Family Independent Funeral Directors offers professional and heartfelt funeral services across Plymouth, allowing you to say your final farewell as you wish.

Contact us today to discuss your needs.

Over 50 5-star reviews online

Available 24 hours a day

Tailored funeral arrangements

Taking the hassle out of funeral planning

Losing a loved one is one of life’s most challenging moments. It’s a time when emotions run high, and the practicalities of arranging a funeral can feel overwhelming. That’s where Knapman Family Independent Funeral Directors steps in. Based in Plymouth, we provide a compassionate and professional service to help you honour your loved one’s memory. Whether you’re looking for a traditional service or something more unique, we’re here to ensure every detail is handled with care and respect, with open and transparent pricing to avoid any unexpected surprises. Our team understands the importance of creating a meaningful farewell, and we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way.

Pink and white flowers on top of coffin for funeral service

What sets our funeral services apart

At Knapman Family Independent Funeral Directors, we pride ourselves on offering a service that’s as unique as the individuals we honour. From bespoke floral arrangements to personalised memorials, we ensure every aspect of the funeral reflects the life and wishes of your loved one. Our team is available 24/7 to provide guidance and support, ensuring you’re never alone during this difficult time. With over 50 5-star reviews, our commitment to excellence and compassion is recognised by families across Plymouth and beyond. Let us help you create a service that truly celebrates a life well-lived.

  • How much Is it?
    Direct cremations start £1195, which is fully inclusive of all fees.
  • How do I find out someone's funeral date?
    Call us and we will try and help you by contacting the arranging client on your behalf. You can also ring the crematorium directly.
  • How much will DWP pay towards a funeral?
    DWP will pay the cremation fee and £1000, which is more than enough to cover a direct cremation.
  • What happens when someone dies?
    Whether a death was expected or not, when someone dies, many people feel worried and unsure about what to do next. In what is a difficult time, those left behind have to come to terms with the loss of a family member or friend as well as contend with the immediate practicalities and contacting a Funeral Director. These are the following steps you should take when someone dies. Please feel free to contact us on 01752 603552 for further information and speak to a member of the team who will only be too happy to talk you through the process. When someone dies at home First contact will be with the deceased’s Doctor or surgery (Devon Doctors when out of hours) who will determine the cause of death and issue a Medical Certificate accordingly and advise you on what to do next. (This may be the following day when the GP surgery is open). The certificate can then be taken to register the death upon appointment at the registry office. If the death is sudden or un-expected, then dial 999. Once the Doctor has been and verified the death, they will give their consent for you to contact us (01752 603552). We can then make arrangements to bring your loved one into our care. One of our team is available to support and guide you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – no matter the time. We will then contact you to discuss the funeral arrangements at a place and time that is comfortable and convenient for you, e.g., your home. If the death is un-expected, sudden or suspicious You will need to dial 999 and ask the operator for the Ambulance and Police. The operator will help and support you through the steps you may need to take such as resuscitation or preserving the scene. It is standard practice for the death to be referred to the coroner. The Coroner will then investigate the circumstances and cause of death before releasing the deceased into our care. This may require a post mortem investigation. A Coroner is involved when: The individual had not been seen by a Doctor in the previous 14 days The death was unexplained or sudden Death occurred during an operation An individual has died in suspicious circumstances or in an accident An coroner can hold an inquest if the post mortem is inconclusive and death is still unknown or if the person died in police or prison custody, or if it was an unnatural or violent death. Once the inquest has been concluded, the Coroner will issue the correct documentation The death can be registered once the coroner has made a decision and issued you with the correct documentation, or possibly issue an Interim Death Certificate prior to the conclusion of an inquest. We can liaise with the Coroner on your behalf and keep you informed of proceedings. When someone dies in a care or nursing home The staff of the care / nursing home will contact the appropriate professional (Family Doctor or out of hours) to verify the death. They can then on your behalf, contact us to make the necessary arrangements to bring your loved one into our care, or contact the coroner if the death was unexpected. You can make the care home aware in advance that you would like to use us as the Funeral Directors. The nursing / care home can then liaise with us directly regarding arrangements when the time comes. We will then contact you when your loved one is in our care. If the death is in a hospital The nursing staff on the ward / unit will notify the next of kin. You will be put in contact with the hospitals bereavement office, who will talk you through what happens next and arrange a time to collect personal effects together with a Medical Certificate of Death if a coroner is not involved. Nursing staff will make the necessary arrangements for the deceased to be taken to the hospital mortuary until a funeral director has been identified by the family / next of kin. Call 01752 603552 and speak to one of our friendly team who will talk you through the next part of the process.
  • Will the Coroner get involved?
    Her Majesty’s Coroners are Judicial Officers (usually Solicitors or Doctors) who are independent of Local or Central Government. They will establish the cause of death when a Doctor is unable to issue a death certificate which may be due to either of the following: The Doctor had not seen the person within 14 days Death occurred during an operation Death was sudden and unexplained An accident or under suspicious circumstances It is usually necessary for the Coroner to order a Post Mortem examination to establish accurately the cause of death If the Coroner is satisfied that death was due to natural causes, the correct documentation will be issued to register the death. This will normally be posted direct to the appropriate Registrar. If however, the Coroner does not feel a Post Mortem examination is necessary, a Certificate will be issued so that registration can take place in the normal way. Will there be an Inquest? If the Coroner decides to hold an Inquest… A Coroner must hold an inquest if the cause of death is still unknown or if the person: Possibly died a violent or unnatural death Died in prison or police custody You will not be able to register the death until the Inquest has been concluded. The Coroner will send a form to the Registrars or an Interim Death Certificate my be issued prior to the conclusion of the inquest.
  • How to register a death
    The death must be notified within 5 days and registered within 14 days. You can register the death if you are: An Administrator from the Hospital The person making arrangements with the Funeral Directors A close relative An individual who was present at the death To Register a death, you will need to take the following to the Registry Office: The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (signed by a Doctor) If available: The Birth Certificate, Marriage or Civil Partnership Certificate You will also need to tell the Registrar: The deceased’s full name at the time of death Any names previously used, (eg. maiden name, deed poll, etc) The person’s date and place of birth Their last address Their occupation The full name, date of birth and occupation of their Spouse or Civil Partner (late or surviving) If they were in receipt of a State Pension or any other benefits The Registrar will be able to guide you further when calling to book an appointment.

Cremation

  • How much Is it?
    Direct cremations start £1195, which is fully inclusive of all fees.
  • How do I find out someone's funeral date?
    Call us and we will try and help you by contacting the arranging client on your behalf. You can also ring the crematorium directly.
  • How much will DWP pay towards a funeral?
    DWP will pay the cremation fee and £1000, which is more than enough to cover a direct cremation.
  • What happens when someone dies?
    Whether a death was expected or not, when someone dies, many people feel worried and unsure about what to do next. In what is a difficult time, those left behind have to come to terms with the loss of a family member or friend as well as contend with the immediate practicalities and contacting a Funeral Director. These are the following steps you should take when someone dies. Please feel free to contact us on 01752 603552 for further information and speak to a member of the team who will only be too happy to talk you through the process. When someone dies at home First contact will be with the deceased’s Doctor or surgery (Devon Doctors when out of hours) who will determine the cause of death and issue a Medical Certificate accordingly and advise you on what to do next. (This may be the following day when the GP surgery is open). The certificate can then be taken to register the death upon appointment at the registry office. If the death is sudden or un-expected, then dial 999. Once the Doctor has been and verified the death, they will give their consent for you to contact us (01752 603552). We can then make arrangements to bring your loved one into our care. One of our team is available to support and guide you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – no matter the time. We will then contact you to discuss the funeral arrangements at a place and time that is comfortable and convenient for you, e.g., your home. If the death is un-expected, sudden or suspicious You will need to dial 999 and ask the operator for the Ambulance and Police. The operator will help and support you through the steps you may need to take such as resuscitation or preserving the scene. It is standard practice for the death to be referred to the coroner. The Coroner will then investigate the circumstances and cause of death before releasing the deceased into our care. This may require a post mortem investigation. A Coroner is involved when: The individual had not been seen by a Doctor in the previous 14 days The death was unexplained or sudden Death occurred during an operation An individual has died in suspicious circumstances or in an accident An coroner can hold an inquest if the post mortem is inconclusive and death is still unknown or if the person died in police or prison custody, or if it was an unnatural or violent death. Once the inquest has been concluded, the Coroner will issue the correct documentation The death can be registered once the coroner has made a decision and issued you with the correct documentation, or possibly issue an Interim Death Certificate prior to the conclusion of an inquest. We can liaise with the Coroner on your behalf and keep you informed of proceedings. When someone dies in a care or nursing home The staff of the care / nursing home will contact the appropriate professional (Family Doctor or out of hours) to verify the death. They can then on your behalf, contact us to make the necessary arrangements to bring your loved one into our care, or contact the coroner if the death was unexpected. You can make the care home aware in advance that you would like to use us as the Funeral Directors. The nursing / care home can then liaise with us directly regarding arrangements when the time comes. We will then contact you when your loved one is in our care. If the death is in a hospital The nursing staff on the ward / unit will notify the next of kin. You will be put in contact with the hospitals bereavement office, who will talk you through what happens next and arrange a time to collect personal effects together with a Medical Certificate of Death if a coroner is not involved. Nursing staff will make the necessary arrangements for the deceased to be taken to the hospital mortuary until a funeral director has been identified by the family / next of kin. Call 01752 603552 and speak to one of our friendly team who will talk you through the next part of the process.
  • Will the Coroner get involved?
    Her Majesty’s Coroners are Judicial Officers (usually Solicitors or Doctors) who are independent of Local or Central Government. They will establish the cause of death when a Doctor is unable to issue a death certificate which may be due to either of the following: The Doctor had not seen the person within 14 days Death occurred during an operation Death was sudden and unexplained An accident or under suspicious circumstances It is usually necessary for the Coroner to order a Post Mortem examination to establish accurately the cause of death If the Coroner is satisfied that death was due to natural causes, the correct documentation will be issued to register the death. This will normally be posted direct to the appropriate Registrar. If however, the Coroner does not feel a Post Mortem examination is necessary, a Certificate will be issued so that registration can take place in the normal way. Will there be an Inquest? If the Coroner decides to hold an Inquest… A Coroner must hold an inquest if the cause of death is still unknown or if the person: Possibly died a violent or unnatural death Died in prison or police custody You will not be able to register the death until the Inquest has been concluded. The Coroner will send a form to the Registrars or an Interim Death Certificate my be issued prior to the conclusion of the inquest.
  • How to register a death
    The death must be notified within 5 days and registered within 14 days. You can register the death if you are: An Administrator from the Hospital The person making arrangements with the Funeral Directors A close relative An individual who was present at the death To Register a death, you will need to take the following to the Registry Office: The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (signed by a Doctor) If available: The Birth Certificate, Marriage or Civil Partnership Certificate You will also need to tell the Registrar: The deceased’s full name at the time of death Any names previously used, (eg. maiden name, deed poll, etc) The person’s date and place of birth Their last address Their occupation The full name, date of birth and occupation of their Spouse or Civil Partner (late or surviving) If they were in receipt of a State Pension or any other benefits The Registrar will be able to guide you further when calling to book an appointment.
  • How much Is it?
    Direct cremations start £1195, which is fully inclusive of all fees.
  • How do I find out someone's funeral date?
    Call us and we will try and help you by contacting the arranging client on your behalf. You can also ring the crematorium directly.
  • How much will DWP pay towards a funeral?
    DWP will pay the cremation fee and £1000, which is more than enough to cover a direct cremation.
  • What happens when someone dies?
    Whether a death was expected or not, when someone dies, many people feel worried and unsure about what to do next. In what is a difficult time, those left behind have to come to terms with the loss of a family member or friend as well as contend with the immediate practicalities and contacting a Funeral Director. These are the following steps you should take when someone dies. Please feel free to contact us on 01752 603552 for further information and speak to a member of the team who will only be too happy to talk you through the process. When someone dies at home First contact will be with the deceased’s Doctor or surgery (Devon Doctors when out of hours) who will determine the cause of death and issue a Medical Certificate accordingly and advise you on what to do next. (This may be the following day when the GP surgery is open). The certificate can then be taken to register the death upon appointment at the registry office. If the death is sudden or un-expected, then dial 999. Once the Doctor has been and verified the death, they will give their consent for you to contact us (01752 603552). We can then make arrangements to bring your loved one into our care. One of our team is available to support and guide you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – no matter the time. We will then contact you to discuss the funeral arrangements at a place and time that is comfortable and convenient for you, e.g., your home. If the death is un-expected, sudden or suspicious You will need to dial 999 and ask the operator for the Ambulance and Police. The operator will help and support you through the steps you may need to take such as resuscitation or preserving the scene. It is standard practice for the death to be referred to the coroner. The Coroner will then investigate the circumstances and cause of death before releasing the deceased into our care. This may require a post mortem investigation. A Coroner is involved when: The individual had not been seen by a Doctor in the previous 14 days The death was unexplained or sudden Death occurred during an operation An individual has died in suspicious circumstances or in an accident An coroner can hold an inquest if the post mortem is inconclusive and death is still unknown or if the person died in police or prison custody, or if it was an unnatural or violent death. Once the inquest has been concluded, the Coroner will issue the correct documentation The death can be registered once the coroner has made a decision and issued you with the correct documentation, or possibly issue an Interim Death Certificate prior to the conclusion of an inquest. We can liaise with the Coroner on your behalf and keep you informed of proceedings. When someone dies in a care or nursing home The staff of the care / nursing home will contact the appropriate professional (Family Doctor or out of hours) to verify the death. They can then on your behalf, contact us to make the necessary arrangements to bring your loved one into our care, or contact the coroner if the death was unexpected. You can make the care home aware in advance that you would like to use us as the Funeral Directors. The nursing / care home can then liaise with us directly regarding arrangements when the time comes. We will then contact you when your loved one is in our care. If the death is in a hospital The nursing staff on the ward / unit will notify the next of kin. You will be put in contact with the hospitals bereavement office, who will talk you through what happens next and arrange a time to collect personal effects together with a Medical Certificate of Death if a coroner is not involved. Nursing staff will make the necessary arrangements for the deceased to be taken to the hospital mortuary until a funeral director has been identified by the family / next of kin. Call 01752 603552 and speak to one of our friendly team who will talk you through the next part of the process.
  • Will the Coroner get involved?
    Her Majesty’s Coroners are Judicial Officers (usually Solicitors or Doctors) who are independent of Local or Central Government. They will establish the cause of death when a Doctor is unable to issue a death certificate which may be due to either of the following: The Doctor had not seen the person within 14 days Death occurred during an operation Death was sudden and unexplained An accident or under suspicious circumstances It is usually necessary for the Coroner to order a Post Mortem examination to establish accurately the cause of death If the Coroner is satisfied that death was due to natural causes, the correct documentation will be issued to register the death. This will normally be posted direct to the appropriate Registrar. If however, the Coroner does not feel a Post Mortem examination is necessary, a Certificate will be issued so that registration can take place in the normal way. Will there be an Inquest? If the Coroner decides to hold an Inquest… A Coroner must hold an inquest if the cause of death is still unknown or if the person: Possibly died a violent or unnatural death Died in prison or police custody You will not be able to register the death until the Inquest has been concluded. The Coroner will send a form to the Registrars or an Interim Death Certificate my be issued prior to the conclusion of the inquest.
  • How to register a death
    The death must be notified within 5 days and registered within 14 days. You can register the death if you are: An Administrator from the Hospital The person making arrangements with the Funeral Directors A close relative An individual who was present at the death To Register a death, you will need to take the following to the Registry Office: The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (signed by a Doctor) If available: The Birth Certificate, Marriage or Civil Partnership Certificate You will also need to tell the Registrar: The deceased’s full name at the time of death Any names previously used, (eg. maiden name, deed poll, etc) The person’s date and place of birth Their last address Their occupation The full name, date of birth and occupation of their Spouse or Civil Partner (late or surviving) If they were in receipt of a State Pension or any other benefits The Registrar will be able to guide you further when calling to book an appointment.
  • How much Is it?
    Direct cremations start £1195, which is fully inclusive of all fees.
  • How do I find out someone's funeral date?
    Call us and we will try and help you by contacting the arranging client on your behalf. You can also ring the crematorium directly.
  • How much will DWP pay towards a funeral?
    DWP will pay the cremation fee and £1000, which is more than enough to cover a direct cremation.
  • What happens when someone dies?
    Whether a death was expected or not, when someone dies, many people feel worried and unsure about what to do next. In what is a difficult time, those left behind have to come to terms with the loss of a family member or friend as well as contend with the immediate practicalities and contacting a Funeral Director. These are the following steps you should take when someone dies. Please feel free to contact us on 01752 603552 for further information and speak to a member of the team who will only be too happy to talk you through the process. When someone dies at home First contact will be with the deceased’s Doctor or surgery (Devon Doctors when out of hours) who will determine the cause of death and issue a Medical Certificate accordingly and advise you on what to do next. (This may be the following day when the GP surgery is open). The certificate can then be taken to register the death upon appointment at the registry office. If the death is sudden or un-expected, then dial 999. Once the Doctor has been and verified the death, they will give their consent for you to contact us (01752 603552). We can then make arrangements to bring your loved one into our care. One of our team is available to support and guide you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – no matter the time. We will then contact you to discuss the funeral arrangements at a place and time that is comfortable and convenient for you, e.g., your home. If the death is un-expected, sudden or suspicious You will need to dial 999 and ask the operator for the Ambulance and Police. The operator will help and support you through the steps you may need to take such as resuscitation or preserving the scene. It is standard practice for the death to be referred to the coroner. The Coroner will then investigate the circumstances and cause of death before releasing the deceased into our care. This may require a post mortem investigation. A Coroner is involved when: The individual had not been seen by a Doctor in the previous 14 days The death was unexplained or sudden Death occurred during an operation An individual has died in suspicious circumstances or in an accident An coroner can hold an inquest if the post mortem is inconclusive and death is still unknown or if the person died in police or prison custody, or if it was an unnatural or violent death. Once the inquest has been concluded, the Coroner will issue the correct documentation The death can be registered once the coroner has made a decision and issued you with the correct documentation, or possibly issue an Interim Death Certificate prior to the conclusion of an inquest. We can liaise with the Coroner on your behalf and keep you informed of proceedings. When someone dies in a care or nursing home The staff of the care / nursing home will contact the appropriate professional (Family Doctor or out of hours) to verify the death. They can then on your behalf, contact us to make the necessary arrangements to bring your loved one into our care, or contact the coroner if the death was unexpected. You can make the care home aware in advance that you would like to use us as the Funeral Directors. The nursing / care home can then liaise with us directly regarding arrangements when the time comes. We will then contact you when your loved one is in our care. If the death is in a hospital The nursing staff on the ward / unit will notify the next of kin. You will be put in contact with the hospitals bereavement office, who will talk you through what happens next and arrange a time to collect personal effects together with a Medical Certificate of Death if a coroner is not involved. Nursing staff will make the necessary arrangements for the deceased to be taken to the hospital mortuary until a funeral director has been identified by the family / next of kin. Call 01752 603552 and speak to one of our friendly team who will talk you through the next part of the process.
  • Will the Coroner get involved?
    Her Majesty’s Coroners are Judicial Officers (usually Solicitors or Doctors) who are independent of Local or Central Government. They will establish the cause of death when a Doctor is unable to issue a death certificate which may be due to either of the following: The Doctor had not seen the person within 14 days Death occurred during an operation Death was sudden and unexplained An accident or under suspicious circumstances It is usually necessary for the Coroner to order a Post Mortem examination to establish accurately the cause of death If the Coroner is satisfied that death was due to natural causes, the correct documentation will be issued to register the death. This will normally be posted direct to the appropriate Registrar. If however, the Coroner does not feel a Post Mortem examination is necessary, a Certificate will be issued so that registration can take place in the normal way. Will there be an Inquest? If the Coroner decides to hold an Inquest… A Coroner must hold an inquest if the cause of death is still unknown or if the person: Possibly died a violent or unnatural death Died in prison or police custody You will not be able to register the death until the Inquest has been concluded. The Coroner will send a form to the Registrars or an Interim Death Certificate my be issued prior to the conclusion of the inquest.
  • How to register a death
    The death must be notified within 5 days and registered within 14 days. You can register the death if you are: An Administrator from the Hospital The person making arrangements with the Funeral Directors A close relative An individual who was present at the death To Register a death, you will need to take the following to the Registry Office: The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (signed by a Doctor) If available: The Birth Certificate, Marriage or Civil Partnership Certificate You will also need to tell the Registrar: The deceased’s full name at the time of death Any names previously used, (eg. maiden name, deed poll, etc) The person’s date and place of birth Their last address Their occupation The full name, date of birth and occupation of their Spouse or Civil Partner (late or surviving) If they were in receipt of a State Pension or any other benefits The Registrar will be able to guide you further when calling to book an appointment.

Burial

Support from the very first call

Our process begins with a personal consultation to understand your wishes and those of your loved one. We’ll guide you through every decision, from choosing a casket to arranging the service location. Our experienced team handles all the logistics, including liaising with venues, florists, and celebrants, so you can focus on what matters most. We also offer pre-arranged funeral plans for those who wish to ease the burden on their families in the future. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can support you during this time.

Carer holding hand of senior woman

I cannot thank Marc and the team enough for the care, patience and respect they showed my late father and my family. They made an incredibly heartbreaking time somewhat bearable. As a family we will be forever grateful for your professionalism and compassion. I will always highly recommend you to anyone in need of your services. Thank you again.

Say goodbye, the right way

Call us now to discuss a funeral service needs and let us help you create a meaningful farewell for your loved one.

Contact us

Address: 

20 Mannamead Rd,

Plymouth,

​PL4 7AA

Business hours

Mon-Fri: 09:00 - 16:00

Sat-Sun: Closed

Follow us

  • Facebook
  • Google Business Profile
Review us on Yell.com logo

KNAPMAN FAMILY INDEPENDENT FUNERAL DIRECTORS LTD, registered as a limited company in England and Wales under company number: 10854537.
Registered Company Address: KNAPMAN FAMILY INDEPENDENT FUNERAL DIRECTORS LTD

​

Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookie Policy | Trading Terms

© 2025. The content on this website is owned by us and our licensors. Do not copy any content (including images) without our consent.

bottom of page