Flax Bourton Public Mortuary

Flax Bourton Public Mortuary provides mortuary and post mortem examination services on behalf of the Avon Coroner, who covers the counties of Bristol, North Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

The mortuary has facilities for the family and friends of the deceased to visit and pay their last respects to them in an appropriate and peaceful environment. Please note that viewing of the deceased is by appointment only and you must be (or have the permission of) the next-of-kin.

The mortuary team consists of specialist doctors (histopathologists) and anatomical pathology technologists, whose main role is to determine the cause of a person’s death, enabling the coroner to release them for burial or cremation.

We understand that your visit with the deceased is very important to you. Our staff are experienced in supporting people through this difficult time and will be on hand to assist you as little, or as much as you require.

Questions about viewings

What viewing appointments are available?

Appointments are subject to availability.

Monday to Friday
10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm

Saturday and Sunday
10am, 11am, 12noon

In exceptional circumstances, viewing may be allowed outside of these times. However, we are unable to accommodate any appointments past 8pm.

Who can attend a viewing?

Anyone can attend a viewing as long as the next-of-kin is aware and authorises the visit.

However, if the death is subject to a police investigation, the appointment must be made through the Police Family Liaison Officer who will accompany you during your visit.

Are children allowed to attend a viewing?

Yes, if the parent or guardian feels it is appropriate children are allowed subject to the condition above.

How long can I stay?

Appointments are booked in one hour slots. If you feel you will need more time, please mention this at the time of booking and we will try to accommodate your request.

Please don’t arrive at an appointment early, as we may still be conducting the previous appointment.

Why was I advised against viewing?

Sometimes, due to the nature of someone’s death, we will advise you not to visit. If this is the case, we will provide you with all of the necessary information and explain the situation to you.

Any such advice is given with your best interests at heart and we would recommend that you take our advice on board. However, the final decision about viewing does lie with the next-of-kin and we are unable to prevent any visits. If you do decide to visit despite this advice, you will be required to sign a waiver form.

Can I leave flowers, cards, toys, etc. with the deceased?

Yes, we can accept a reasonable amount of these items and will ensure that they stay with the deceased once they are transferred into the care of the funeral director.

Will you dress the deceased in their own clothes?

As our facilities for this type of preparation are limited, it is usually more appropriate for this to be carried out once the deceased is with the funeral director, however, we will consider such requests.

Contact details

Flax Bourton Public Mortuary is located six miles from the centre of Bristol in the village of Flax Bourton and can be found by following the signs marked ‘Coroner’s Court’ from the A370 Long Ashton Bypass. The mortuary building is located behind the courthouse and has a dedicated entrance for visitors.

Flax Bourton Public Mortuary
Old Weston Road
Flax Bourton
North Somerset
BS48 1UL

Flax Bourton Public Mortuary on Google maps

For viewing appointments within working hours (8am to 4pm), please call 01275 461 927. Outside of these times, please call 01179 222 050.

Viewing is restricted outside of working hours - please see the 'Questions about viewings' section for more information.

As the mortuary staff are limited in the information they can give to the general public, for any other enquiries relating to a deceased person, please call the Avon Coroner’s Office on 01275 461920 or visit the burials or cremations pages.