Local venues for wakes
This page is provided to support local businesses and to help the bereaved find a suitable venue for a wake following a funeral service. Central Bedfordshire Council are not affiliated in any way to the businesses listed on this page. Listings are provided free of charge. We reserve the right to withdraw a listing or this page in its entirety without notice. Should a local business, offering a venue for wakes, like to be considered for inclusion on this page they should contact the office at crematorium@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
The Cross Keys, Pulloxhill
For more than 55 years, our family‑run pub and restaurant has supported the local community by providing a welcoming and respectful setting for funeral wakes and celebrations of life. We are experienced in hosting gatherings of all sizes. We have convenient on‑site parking, including ample disabled parking, access, and facilities.
With our dedicated in‑house catering team, we provide a range of menu options designed to meet your family’s needs and preferences. Our staff are here to guide and support you at every stage, ensuring the day runs smoothly and sensitively.
We are committed to operating sustainably. This includes sourcing supplies from local businesses wherever possible, segregating recyclable, food, and glass waste to reduce landfill contributions, and making use of energy‑efficient lighting across our premises.
Seating capacity
Up to 120 in restaurant and marquee or up to 240 in the Paddock marquee
Car park capacity
Large car park plus overflow parking
Typical price per head
From £13.25
Distance from Oakfield Gardens:
3.5 miles
The Cross Keys
13 High Street,
Pulloxhill
MK45 5HB
thecrosskeys.co.uk
hello@thecrosskeys.co.uk
01525 712442
The Crown, Flitwick
Family friendly, community based local pub based just up the road in Flitwick. Lovely large outside garden with plenty of parking.
Happy to be flexible to allow you to host the wake that your loved ones wanted - just ask us!
A warm welcome always awaits.
Accessible for wheelchairs.
We use sustainable products where possible.
Venue capacity
40 seated / 100 not seated
Car park capacity
25 cars and street parking
Typical price per head
From £16 per head
Distance from Oakfield Gardens:
1.5 miles
The Crown
Station Road
Flitwick
MK45 1LA
thecrownflitwick.co.uk
hello@thecrownflitwick.co.uk
01525 310136
Flitwick Manor Hotel
Here at Flitwick Manor, we are here to assist with celebrations of life and wakes, offering calm, compassionate support to help make the day as stress‑free as possible, so you can focus on remembering your loved one. Our team is committed to providing a respectful service and ensuring everything runs smoothly.
We understand that every gathering is personal and offer flexibility wherever possible. Our buffet menu is available for your consideration, and we are happy to discuss dietary requirements or alternative options. Accessible facilities and considerate adjustments can also be provided on request.
We are mindful of our environmental responsibilities and work carefully to reduce waste and use resources thoughtfully, while maintaining the quality of our service.
Venue capacity Brooks room - 50, Morning room - 18, Library room - 12
Additional space in lounge/bar and a terrace area (weather dependant)
See website for room hire pricing
Car park capacity 110 cars
Typical price per head £25 - £35
Distance from Oakfield Gardens
1.8 miles
Flitwick Manor Hotel
Church Road
Flitwick
MK45 1AE
flitwickmanor.com
info@flitwickmanorhotel.co.uk
01525 712242
Forest Centre, Forest of
Marston Vale Trust
Set within the peaceful lakes, meadows and woodlands of the Millennium Country Park, the Forest Centre offers a calm and meaningful setting to honour the life of a loved one. Our experienced and compassionate team will support you throughout, with flexible, thoughtfully designed packages to suit both intimate and larger gatherings. Each wake includes a tree dedication in one of our Community Woodlands, creating a lasting living tribute that connects your loved one’s memory with the natural beauty of the Forest of Marston Vale for generations to come.
Step-free access throughout, with automatic Reception doors, accessible toilets including Changing Places Toilet, baby change and lift access to the upper floors.
We are a charity leading the environmental, social and economic regeneration of 61 square miles between Bedford and Milton Keynes through the creation of the Forest of Marston Vale.
Venue capacity
60 seated / 80 not seated
Car park capacity
138 cars
Typical price per head
From £17 per head
Distance from Oakfield Gardens
4.5 miles
Forest of Marston Vale Trust
The Forest Centre
Station Road
Marston Moretaine
Bedford
MK43 0PR
marstonvale.org/wakes
info@marstonvale.org
01234 762614
The Rufus Centre, Flitwick
The Rufus Centre provides a warm, welcoming venue for Celebration of Life receptions, with a supportive team ensuring all arrangements are handled with care. Just minutes from Oakfield Gardens in a peaceful semi‑rural setting, it offers six function rooms for 12–200 guests, along with a quiet garden area for reflection.
Rooms can include digital screens for memorial slideshows, with tasteful décor and background music. The in‑house Catering Team offers flexible packages, with buffets from £12 per person including arrival drinks, plus optional drinks packages and a licensed bar.
For larger services, live streaming from Oakfield Gardens can be arranged in one of the Centre’s hybrid rooms. The venue is fully accessible, with disabled parking and lift access.
Committed to sustainability, The Rufus Centre minimises its environmental impact through recycling, solar energy, and local suppliers.
Venue capacity Various rooms with capacity from 8 to 160 seated
or 12 to 385 standing
Car park capacity
200 cars
Typical price per head
From £12 per head
Distance from Oakfield Gardens
0.4 miles
The Rufus Centre
Steppingley Road
Flitwick
Bedfordshire
MK45 1AH
therufuscentre.co.uk
events@flitwick.gov.uk
01525 631905
The Swan Inn, Flitwick
The Swan is a traditional two sided venue with bar and lounge. The lounge side is perfect for displaying our colourful buffet with plenty of choice. The layout suits people circulating and has a lovely pub atmosphere. The lounge is private for wakes with access to the bar where there is a pool table and dartboard. There are also three garden areas.
Each wake is unique so we tailor accordingly. We can tailor the buffet and the lounge making it your own for the occasion. We place fresh flowers on the tables and can display photos etc.
Level access with no steps through the main entrance hall into the lounge. The rear third of the lounge is raised with two steps. There is no wheelchair access to the ladies and gents due to tight turns. Staff are happy to assist where they can. The bar area entrances all have a step to them.
We are committed to sustainable practices where possible.
Venue capacity: Lounge bar, 40 seated plus approx. 20+ standing. Bar area, 30 seated plus approx. 15 standing
Car park capacity: Up to 20 cars in our carpark and 3 hours free parking in Tesco carpark opposite.
Typical price per head: £12-£17 per head
Distance from Oakfield Gardens:
1.8 miles
The Swann Inn
Dunstable Road
Flitwick
MK45 1HP
swaninnflitwick.co.uk
enquiries@swaninnflitwick.co.uk
01525 754777
