A J Wakely & Sons, Bridport

349 reviews

Call 24 hours

A family-run funeral director in Bridport that has been providing an independent funeral director service to the bereaved since 1897.

Funeral arrangements

  • Home visit
  • 24 hour telephone support
  • On-site parking
  • Chapel of rest
  • Hearse
  • Limousine
  • Horse-drawn hearse
  • Bespoke vehicle
  • Coffin
  • Personalised coffin
  • Casket
  • Headstone / Plaque
  • Urn
  • Memorial jewellery
  • Floral tributes
  • Charitable donations
  • Newspaper announcement
  • Online obituary
  • Memorial book
  • Order of service sheets
  • Music
  • Video tribute
  • Funeral webcasting
  • Catering
  • Dove release
  • Balloon release
  • Fireworks

Types of funeral

  • Traditional burial
  • Simple funeral
  • Traditional cremation
  • Green funeral
  • Direct cremation
  • Burial at sea
  • Non-religious funeral
  • Anglican funeral
  • Roman Catholic funeral
  • Muslim funeral
  • Jewish funeral
  • Sikh funeral
  • Hindu funeral
  • Buddhist funeral
  • Children’s funeral

Financial arrangements

  • Financial advice
  • Wills & probate
  • Pre-paid funeral plan

Additional services

  • Repatriation
  • Bereavement counselling
  • List of mourners

Location

91 East Street
Bridport
Dorset
DT6 3LB

Open map

Opening Hours

Day Hours
Monday Open 24 hours
Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Open 24 hours
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

Professional Standards

  • NAFD Member

    Members agree to a published Code of Practice and can be held to account through the Association if something goes wrong.

    What they do

    • Inspects member premises to check standards are being met
    • Runs a complaints and resolution service for bereaved families
    • Provides funeral training and professional qualifications
  • SAIF Member

    Businesses are checked before they are admitted to SAIF and work to the Society’s Code of Practice.

    What they do

    • Inspects businesses before granting membership
    • Represents independent and family-owned funeral directors
    • Offers free, independent arbitration if something goes wrong

About Us

A.J.Wakely & Sons Bridport is a family-run funeral director in Bridport that has been providing an independent funeral director service to the bereaved since 1897.

After starting as wheelwrights and undertakers Arthur and Ernie Wakely opened their funeral directors in Broadwindsor. Jack Wakely followed in the footsteps of his uncles and in 1970 opened his first office in Bridport.

Today the Bridport office is managed by Simon Wakely (Jack's grandson), supported by Clive Wakely and their experienced and dedicated team; Tim Nickels and Chris Legg as funeral directors along with Angela and Amanda who manage the day-to-day running of the office.

AJ Wakely & Sons, Bridport, understand that the time following the loss of a loved one can be extremely difficult and confusing. It can also become overwhelming if you are the person responsible for arranging the funeral. Simon and his compassionate team will be there to guide and offer assistance at every step. The experienced staff will sensitively talk you through the necessary steps that need to be taken whilst also beginning to plan a fitting tribute for your friend or family member. If you desire, AJ Wakely can also assist with arranging the finer details including transport, floristry, coffins and ashes caskets, as well as memorials.

A.J.Wakely & Sons are proud members of: National Association of Funeral Directors & The National Society of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors. Call them today to begin planning the perfect funeral for your loved one.

What Families Say

AI Summary

Many families emphasise the care and compassion they received throughout the funeral arrangements, describing staff as kind, understanding and genuinely supportive during an emotionally difficult time. Several note how they were guided patiently through each step, with nothing treated as too much trouble, and how this attentiveness helped make the process manageable.

Families often describe the funeral day itself running smoothly and seamlessly, with meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of the service. Many mention feeling confident that arrangements were under control, allowing them to focus on saying goodbye rather than worrying about organisation.

A number of reviews highlight the quality of communication throughout, with staff keeping families informed at each stage, responding promptly to questions, and taking time to listen to their wishes and preferences for how the service should reflect their loved one's life.

This summary is generated by AI from recent verified reviews.

Verified Reviews

Verified Reviews

  • 5 Chris Toms 5th Jun 2026

    Very helpful and informative, they answered all my questions in a simple and professional manner, I would highly recommend them 😊😊

  • 5 Julia Brinsden 5th Jun 2026

    Chris Legg handled my dad’s funeral with care, warmth and incredible attention to detail.  I can’t thank him enough for making such a sad and difficult time so much more bearable.  He is a true gentleman and a huge, amazing asset to A J Wakelys.  Thank you Chris for all that you did to make dad’s funeral so wonderfully personal and unique.

  • 5 Steve Huxter 4th Jun 2026

    A Very personal,thoughtful and professional service nothing was a problem couldn’t have ask for anymore.The team done everything to make a difficult time run as easy as possible.
    We Would highly recommend.

  • 5 Samuel Barnett 4th Jun 2026

    .

  • 5 Stephen Beardshall 4th Jun 2026

    As always, they again approached the loss of a loved one with dignity and compassion. From the director to the bearers, to the office staff, they are truly excellent.

  • 5 Mark Holker 4th Jun 2026

    Provided a thoughtful, respectful and dignified service from the initial phone call and subsequent first visit to the end, exactly as we had hoped for, thank you.

  • 5 Penny Frigon 4th Jun 2026

    There is nothing more emotional and sad,but Chris is

  • 5 Stephanie Spicer 4th Jun 2026

    Thank you so much, as ever, for your professionalism and kindness.  

  • 5 Ollie Squibb 4th Jun 2026

    Very helpful from start to finish and made sure everything went smoothly. Helped me with all arrangements.
    Thank you 
    Ollie Squibb

  • 5 Janet Sibley 11th May 2026

    I was very pleased with all the service given, with such kind and understanding way in a very difficult time, especially Tim who just has that very special way of helping you cope. Thank you for everything. Jan.

  • 5 Christine Ringer 29th Apr 2026

    A really professional service. All staff were friendly and helpful at every stage.

  • 5 Lin Bowditch 29th Apr 2026

    Highly professional, helpful, supportive and discrete. Faultless, thank you 

  • 5 Eleanor Petrie 29th Apr 2026

    Wakely & Sons have now acted as funeral director for four members of my family. At all times they have been incredibly kind, efficient, patient and understanding. Whatever is in their power to make better, they will.

  • 5 Judith Huber 29th Apr 2026

    There are many stresses and emotions involved in loosing a loved one but Greg supported me throughout. Thank you

  • 5 Mark Lewis 29th Apr 2026

    Chris at AJ Wakely was extremely professional, very flexible and kind. He took care of everything leaving us to be able to mourn

  • 5 Ray McLaren 1st Apr 2026

    Tim was fantastic throughout the whole process, A J Wakely & sons provided an excellent, compassionate and supportive service at our time of need. No job was too small and they were always happy to provide answers to any question . I will recommend their services to anyone wanting a close and personal touch throughout the grieving process. Thank you for supporting our family by giving our loved one the service they deserved.

  • 5 Victor Knight 31st Mar 2026

    Thank you Chris for looking after Pauline and carrying out the service to her wishes.

  • 5 Penny Gray 30th Mar 2026

    The funeral was just what my mother would have wanted.
    It was joyous and a celebration of her life.
    Simon understood exactly what was required. Kind and patient, 
    Even having to liaise with family abroad. Nothing was to much trouble.

  • 5 Robert Boileau 30th Mar 2026

    Gentle, attentive and meticulous in all arrangements, making a difficult time much easier. Nothing was to much trouble.

  • 5 Samuel Parkes 30th Mar 2026

    AJ Wakely gave us very good service for our father's funeral. They communicated everything very well and were always prompt to reply to any questions we had.

  • 5 Peter Hunt 30th Mar 2026

    No words can say how very professional they carried everything out
    Greg was so amazing dealt with me with great ease

  • 5 John Riddell 27th Feb 2026

    From the very first awful call made in the middle of the night the compassion and understanding shone through. Gently leading the family through one of the hardest events one ever faces. Helping to find the right celebrant to refining the order of service and finding the right florist, even scouring the right music from rough descriptions of do you know this tune by I think so and so.
    A & J Wakely & Sons went a long way towards mitigating the deep pain associated in such a terrible time.
    I and my daughters will be forever grateful.

  • 5 Victoria Hume 26th Feb 2026

    Wakelys were unfailingly kind and helpful from the first phone call we had at 1 in the morning to the end of the service. I'd highly recommend them.

  • 5 Philip Hedges 26th Feb 2026

    I can only say wakelys handled my wife’s funeral arrangements with great care and kindness they were excellent

  • 5 Tony Grace 25th Feb 2026

    Very helpful from start to finish. Very professional.

Address
91 East Street
Bridport
Dorset
DT6 3LB

Open map

Opening Hours

Day Hours
Monday Open 24 hours
Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Open 24 hours
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

Professional Standards

  • NAFD Member

    Members agree to a published Code of Practice and can be held to account through the Association if something goes wrong.

    What they do

    • Inspects member premises to check standards are being met
    • Runs a complaints and resolution service for bereaved families
    • Provides funeral training and professional qualifications
  • SAIF Member

    Businesses are checked before they are admitted to SAIF and work to the Society’s Code of Practice.

    What they do

    • Inspects businesses before granting membership
    • Represents independent and family-owned funeral directors
    • Offers free, independent arbitration if something goes wrong

Latest Verified Reviews

Chris Toms 5th Jun 2026

Very helpful and informative, they answered all my questions in a simple and professional manner, I would highly recommend them 😊😊

Julia Brinsden 5th Jun 2026

Chris Legg handled my dad’s funeral with care, warmth and incredible attention to detail.  I can’t thank him enough for making such a sad and difficult time so much more bearable.  He is a true gentleman and a huge, amazing asset to A J Wakelys.  Thank you Chris for all that you did to make dad’s funeral so wonderfully personal and unique.

Steve Huxter 4th Jun 2026

A Very personal,thoughtful and professional service nothing was a problem couldn’t have ask for anymore.The team done everything to make a difficult time run as easy as possible. We Would highly recommend.

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