In recent years, more families have been choosing to personalise funerals in ways that reflect the true character, passions, and lifestyle of their loved ones. One of the most noticeable shifts has been in funeral transport.
Gone are the days when the only option was a traditional black hearse. Today, thanks to a growing number of specialist providers across the UK, almost any type of vehicle can be adapted for a final journey — from horse-drawn carriages to vintage lorries, motorbikes, camper vans and even tractors or JCBs.
Here at Denise Wellington Funeral Services, we believe that every life is unique, and the farewell should be too. Offering alternative funeral transport is just one of the many ways we help families across North Cornwall and North Devon honour their loved one in a way that feels true and heartfelt.
Here are some alternative funeral transport ideas to show you how you can celebrate a life with personality, pride, and meaning.
Horse-Drawn Hearse
Timeless, graceful, and steeped in tradition, the horse-drawn hearse remains one of the most elegant and symbolic choices for a final journey. This classic mode of funeral transport continues to hold deep meaning for many families, particularly across Cornwall and Devon, where the slower pace and historic towns lend themselves beautifully to this dignified tribute.
We’ve found this option to be a popular choice for both religious and non-religious services, and it can be tailored with white or black horses, plumes, and traditional livery to suit your loved one’s personality and wishes.
VW Camper Van Hearse
For those who lived life with a sense of adventure, a love of the open road, or a fondness for the simple joys of coastal holidays, the VW Camper Van hearse offers a truly unique and heartfelt tribute. This much-loved vehicle brings with it memories of surf trips, seaside sunsets, music festivals, and time spent with family and friends — all wrapped up in its iconic, nostalgic charm.
In Cornwall and Devon, where beach culture, camper vans, and coastal life go hand-in-hand, this has become a particularly popular choice for funerals. Families often say that it helps bring a sense of calm and familiarity to what can otherwise be a very difficult day.
The VW hearse can be dressed with flowers, photos, or keepsakes, and offers a more relaxed, informal tone that many people now prefer. It’s not about making a statement, it’s about telling a story.
Motorbike & Sidecar Hearse
Whether your loved one was a lifelong biker, a member of a local club, or simply had a deep appreciation for motorcycles, this final ride pays tribute in a way that feels both personal and poignant. Many families take great comfort in seeing their loved one honoured in a way that reflects their true spirit — not just who they were, but how they lived.
Motorbike hearses are often accompanied by fellow riders who form a respectful convoy, creating a moving and memorable send-off that captures the essence of camaraderie, shared values, and a life of adventure. It’s a modern, meaningful choice that brings warmth and authenticity to the funeral day.
Digger or JCB Funeral Hearse
For those who spent their lives on the land or building for the future, a digger or JCB hearse offers a deeply personal farewell. We’ve seen moving tributes where the machinery used day-in, day-out becomes the final vehicle — a tribute filled with meaning, pride, and community spirit.
Lorry Hearse
For someone who spent their life on the road — whether driving lorries, working the land, or restoring vintage vehicles — a lorry, tractor, or flatbed truck hearse can be a fitting and heartfelt tribute. It’s more than a mode of transport, it’s a reflection of a life built on hard work, dedication, and pride in their craft.
Often, friends, fellow drivers, or former colleagues will accompany the cortege in convoy. This powerful gesture of respect and solidarity can bring communities to a quiet pause, paying tribute to someone who made a lasting impression on those around them.
Land Rover hearse
For lovers of the outdoors, the countryside, or those inspired by Royal tradition, a Land Rover hearse is a rugged, respectful, and deeply British way to say farewell. This was famously chosen by Prince Philip, who helped design his own funeral vehicle.
A Personal Touch, Always
At Denise Wellington Funeral Services, we believe every detail should reflect the life being honoured. That’s why we work closely with each family to create something truly personal, be it a classic procession, a quirky twist, or something completely unique.
If you’d like to explore these options, or simply talk to us about what feels right for your loved one, our door is always open. We’re here to guide and support you every step of the way.
