A J Wakely & Sons Ltd, Ilminster

137 reviews

Call 24 hours

A family-run funeral director in Ilminster that has been providing an independent funeral director service to the bereaved since 1989.

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

7 West Street
Ilminster
Somerset
TA19 9AA

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 Ilminster is a family-run funeral director in Ilminster 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. The Ilminster office has been serving the local community and surrounding area since 1989. The office is run on a daily basis by an experienced funeral director, Leah Wakely, along with the support of Kate and Chris.

AJ Wakeley & Sons Ilminster, 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. Leah and her staff will be there to guide you, and offer assistance at every step. The sensitive and compassionate team will talk you through every step that needs to be taken whilst planning a loving tribute for your friend or family member. AJ Wakely can also assist with arranging details including funeral transport, floristry, coffins and ashes caskets, as well as a wide range of memorials.

A.J.Wakely & Sons Ilminster 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 shown throughout arrangements, describing staff as kind, understanding and attentive to their needs during an exceptionally difficult time. Several mention how thoroughly they felt guided through each step of the process, with nothing feeling like too much trouble and any requests addressed promptly and sensitively.

On the day itself, families repeatedly note that funerals ran smoothly and went exactly as planned, with the service conducted with professionalism and dignity that reflected their loved one's wishes and personality. A small number of families mention minor details that did not go entirely to plan on the day.

Many families comment on how well they were kept informed and supported throughout, with clear explanations of what would happen next, and describe feeling confident that everything was in safe hands from their first contact right through to after the funeral was over.

This summary is generated by AI from recent verified reviews.

Verified Reviews

Verified Reviews

  • 5 Jackie Bridges 6th Oct 2025

    Very efficient and professional at the same time I felt very supported and comforted. I couldn’t have wished for anything better at such a stressful and distressing time.

  • 5 Janet Hole 6th Oct 2025

    Everyone at Wakely's were excellent, informative, caring & very professional. The service was superb & would definitely recommend Wakely's for anyone going through the difficulties of loss

  • 5 Jackie Simpson 5th Sep 2025

    The support and kindness that David and I received at this very difficult time from Leah, Kate and staff was just amazing.The sudden passing of our Aunt was such a shock that we had no idea where to start! We drove up from Devon as soon as we could and on Auntie’s kitchen table was a form stating that she had been taken to Yeovil hospital under the care of the Coroner by A J Wakely. I telephoned them straight away and was greeted with the most kind and  reassuring voice telling me not to worry and if they could help in any way just to let them know and that is just what we did! How thankful we are!
    From that moment on all the stress and worry was taken away. We have been gently guided along step by step with no pressure making sure that what was wished by our Aunt and us as her family was carried out. They sorted everything.The funeral service was even more beautiful than we could have hoped for and went so smoothly and with such dignity and respect due to the extreme professionalism and efficiency of Leah and her staff. We would highly recommend them. You and your loved one will be in the best hands as were we and our dear “Auntie.”

  • 5 Andrew Hull 28th Aug 2025

    The company were helpful throughout the process. 

  • 5 Tanya Watt 4th Jun 2025

    Leah Wakely was professional and friendly and immediately put us at our ease. She kindly and carefully steered us through the whole process and we felt that our loved one was in the best of care. 
    We would highly recommend Wakelys Ilminster to anyone.

  • 4 Heather Tarr 3rd Jun 2025

    Lovely gentle supportive team, thank you :)

  • 5 Patricia Gilzean 3rd Jun 2025

    I cannot say enough about how professional, kind and compassionate the Staff was towards my family and I, from the beginning of the process till the end.
    They also treated my deceased sister’s body with the same respect , which was so appreciated when I went in to say goodbye to her.
    The funeral procession and the funeral were done with the respect and caring for the deceased and for the attendees.

  • 5 Glyn Perris 2nd Jun 2025

    Hi

    Really good service, short sweet and to the point of all letting us say goodbye to Dad.

    Very friendly helpful service from Leah, who was very kind to mum with offers to help mum get to places she needed to get to as family live so far away. It really was greatly appreciated. Thank you.

    Glyn Perris

  • 5 Andrew Jordan 26th May 2025

    Have been very comforted and impressed by the service recieved from the whole team at Wakelys. From the moment they were involved, they handled Mum, my sisters and I with the greatest of respect and professionalism. They made a challenging time a lot easier for us, with appropriate guidance and support. Thank You

  • 5 Jeremy Prew 6th May 2025

    We received really excellent service from Leah and the team at Ilminster and they provided great comfort and guidance at a difficult time. I have not had too much experience with Funeral Directors (and I hope not to again for a long time!) but I am thankful that we selected Wakleys to act on our behalf - I would definitely recommend them.

  • 5 Carole Clare 5th May 2025

    Excellent service, so kind and caring while helping me through such a difficult time. 

  • 5 Sarah Tye 6th Mar 2025

    Leah Wakely along with Kate her colleague could not have been more helpful, sympathetic and above all professional in what was a very sad time for us, dealing with our father's death.  We live in Surrey and our father in Somerset so long distance communications which went without a glitch.  There is a reason Wakely's are well respected and that is their first class service and true professionalism all done with respect and compassion.  Thank you x

  • 5 Susan MacKenzie 28th Feb 2025

    Thank you for being organised, kind, sensitive and on our side

  • 5 Paul Swain 20th Feb 2025

    A J Wakely were outstanding in the care and attention given to our late father. Both Leah, Kate and the rest of the team ensured every detail was handled with care and compassion. Thank you from Richard and Paul

  • 5 Barry White 12th Feb 2025

    Attentive and efficient service at a difficult time. Thank you.

  • 5 Anthea Millard 5th Dec 2024

    Approachable, helpful and respectful at all times.

  • 5 Carl Fenwick 10th Nov 2024

    The day of the funeral of our beloved mother was a very sad day for her family but the funeral arrangements were so well managed by Leah that it made it very much easier for us together with the simple but joyous service, the beautiful wicker casket and it adornment with roses, which were our mother's favourite flowers. We are all very grateful to Leah and he colleagues for their care and compassion in helping and guiding us through the difficult time. Thank you.

  • 5 Sarah Bickley 7th Nov 2024

    My family and I cannot rate Wakelys highly enough. Their kindness and compassion were authentic. Their organisation and guidance were efficient and much appreciated. We felt looked after, respected and listened to. Dad got the send off that he would have wanted. Thank you.

  • 5 Angela Clapp 6th Nov 2024

    Very helpful and caring service. Always there for reassurance and guidance.

  • 5 Val Thompson 24th Sep 2024

    A professional and experienced team offering support and advice just when it is needed.  Leah and Kate listened and met my requests without issue in a very friendly and appropriate way.  Thank you 

  • 5 Jeff Speke 3rd Sep 2024

    Wakelys Ilminster provided a first class service at a difficult time

  • 5 Sue Dyer 2nd Sep 2024

    Used them 3 times now and I can't thank them enough for there professional manner, understanding. I can highly recommend Ilminster branch. Kate and leah are amazing, nothing is too much trouble.

  • 5 Karen O'Brien 6th Aug 2024

    Thank you for organising the funeral for Shirley Earl 
    Care & attention for every detail was made so the day went ahead smoothly.

  • 5 Valerie Watts 6th Aug 2024

    Wakeley 's were respectful, professional, caring and reliable. I felt "looked after" and safe in their hands both prior to and during the funeral. I can only say an enormous thank you for an excellent service .

  • 5 Mark English 5th Aug 2024

    As a family, we cannot thank Leah, Kate and all the team that have helped us through this extremely difficult period. The kindness and compassion throughout has been such a help. In such difficult circumstances, the professionalism of everyone has been amazing.

Address
7 West Street
Ilminster
Somerset
TA19 9AA

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

Jackie Bridges 6th Oct 2025

Very efficient and professional at the same time I felt very supported and comforted. I couldn’t have wished for anything better at such a stressful and distressing time.

Janet Hole 6th Oct 2025

Everyone at Wakely's were excellent, informative, caring & very professional. The service was superb & would definitely recommend Wakely's for anyone going through the difficulties of loss

Jackie Simpson 5th Sep 2025

The support and kindness that David and I received at this very difficult time from Leah, Kate and staff was just amazing.The sudden passing of our Aunt was such a shock that we had no idea where to start! We drove up from Devon as soon as we could and on Auntie’s kitchen table was a form stating that she had been taken to Yeovil hospital under the care of the Coroner by A J Wakely. I telephoned them straight away and was greeted with the most kind and  reassuring voice telling me not to worry and if they could help in any way just to let them know and that is just what we did! How thankful we are! From that moment on all the stress and worry was taken away. We have been gently guided along step by step with no pressure making sure that what was wished by our Aunt and us as her family was carried out. They sorted everything.The funeral service was even more beautiful than we could have hoped for and went so smoothly and with such dignity and respect due to the extreme professionalism and efficiency of Leah and her staff. We would highly recommend them. You and your loved one will be in the best hands as were we and our dear “Auntie.”

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