West Hoe Cemetery
In 1982, when the Parish Churches of St Peter’s, Bishop’s Waltham and St Barnabas, Swanmore concluded that their burial grounds were complete, the two Parish Councils established a joint burial authority and purchased land between the two villages at West Hoe for a cemetery.
Since then the land has been developed as a beautiful resting place for parishioners of Bishop’s Waltham and Swanmore, as well as those from other Southern Parishes.
As well as dedicated formal areas for both burials and the interment of ashes, the cemetery has been expanded with a wild flower meadow where ashes can be interred or scattered in a more natural setting.
The burial areas are laid out as a “lawn cemetery” with neat rows of headstones and simple floral tributes. The formal areas for interment of ashes allow for a simple flat stone memorial plaques. Plots in the natural meadow section are not marked, but can be planted with natural bulbs.
The Cemetery Management Committee, comprising Councillors from both parishes, strives for a high standard of maintenance in all areas. In 2025, in line with modified financial regulations, the West Hoe Cemetery Management Committee became a Standing Committee of Bishop’s Waltham Parish Council alone, with Bishop’s Waltham serving as the lead authority, however the Cemetery continues to serve both Bishop’s Waltham and Swanmore and is jointly funded by both Councils.
The Committee aims to keep costs for both burials and interment of ashes comparable with those charges made by surrounding parishes for similar services.
Maintenance of the burial ground is supported by the parish precept of the two villages and local residents benefit from preferential rates.
Application for approval of a Memorial and Inscription
Agendas and Minutes from the West Hoe Cemetery Management Committee meetings can be found Meeting Agendas and Minutes page.
For further information or for any enquires, please contact the Clerk to the Committee: westhoe@bishopswaltham-pc.gov.uk or call 01489 892323
West Hoe Pet Cemetery
A safe and peaceful resting place for your much-loved pets
Founded in 2019 the Pet Cemetery at West Hoe is a dedicated area for the interment of the ashes of small animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, or guinea pigs.
It is adjacent to, but quite separate from, the main cemetery. It is screened from the entrance drive by a hornbeam hedge and edged by mature trees, providing a shady and peaceful resting place for your much-loved pets.
Individual plots (50cm/20inches square) are located in well spaced rows within the Pet Cemetery and are available either as a simple plot or with the option of adding an inscribed flat memorial tablet. Ashes may be interred in any biodegradable container or poured directly into the grave.
For full details of current prices and terms and conditions please contact the Clerk to the Cemetery; Mrs Catherine Wilkinson, telephone 01489 892323 or email westhoe@bishopswaltham-pc.gov.uk
