hmp belmarsh visit booking number

Blog Government Digital Service

https://gds.blog.gov.uk/2014/09/15/you-can-now-book-a-prison-visit-online/

You can now book a prison visit online

Booking a prison visit should be simple and straightforward. Until now that was far from the case. Booking a visit required both prisoner and visitor to jump through hoops: paper forms and drawn-out phone calls. And if the visit date turned out to be impossible, they had to start all over again.

Now you can book a visit online . It takes about 5 minutes. Before, picking an available date was pot luck. Now there's a date-picker that lets you select 3 possible slots instead of 1. It’s a straight-forward service with user-needs at its heart but, if you get stuck, you can call the prison's visits booking line and someone will help you with the booking.

Here's a very short film we've made about it:

By making it easier to book visits, prisoners will see more of their friends and family. Evidence suggests this will help their rehabilitation. Transformation isn't just about websites.

The service was built by the Ministry of Justice, with a combined team from the National Offender Management Service, HM Prison Service and MoJ Digital Services.

For more of the story behind this service, read Mike Bracken's account of his trip to HMP Rochester or check out the service’s transformation page .

Join the conversation on Twitter , and don't forget to sign up for email alerts .

You may also be interested in:

• Prison visit booking: using digital analytics to inform alpha development
• Making prison visits easier to book
• Meet the Transformation team

Sharing and comments

Share this page, 20 comments.

Comment by Pauline posted on 23 August 2015

How do you find out the prisoners number??? so you can go ahead with online booking of a visit?

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 24 August 2015

You can find a prisoner using this service: https://www.gov.uk/find-prisoner However it will be the prisoner's responsibility to get in touch with you to let you know their prison number etc.

Comment by linda posted on 15 August 2015

This service does not appear to work this is day 2 trying to use it

Comment by Olivia posted on 30 July 2015

Hi, If a visit is booked and someone cant make it, is it possible to change the name of one of the people to someone else?

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 30 July 2015

It's best to contact the prison directly if this happens. You can find contact details here: http://www.justice.gov.uk/contacts/prison-finder

Thanks, Louise

Comment by Paige posted on 28 July 2015

Hi my partner was sent to nottingham today, I was on his previous list 4 months ago for a visit. Will that still be on the system all will it have to he put through again if so how long does it take to be approved for a visit? Thanks Paige.

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 29 July 2015

You might want to get in touch with the prison first before booking a visit. You can find the contact details of the prison here: http://www.justice.gov.uk/contacts/prison-finder

Comment by Debs posted on 27 July 2015

Hello Is there a list of prisons where online booking can't be used?

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 28 July 2015

According to the information on this page: https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits , you can arrange a visit to any prison in England and Wales through this service. If you're visiting someone in Northern Ireland or Scotland you'll need to contact the prison directly.

This link also lists the type of visits that are not covered by the online service: https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits so you need to get in touch with the prison directly.

Hope that's helpful.

Comment by c.steer posted on 26 July 2015

So how do I find the booking form to fill in I am new to computers

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 27 July 2015

Here's the link to the booking form: https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits

You'll need this information to complete the form:

prisoner number prisoner’s date of birth dates of birth for all visitors coming with you make sure the person you’re visiting has added you to their visitor list

Hope that's useful.

Comment by Shawnaa posted on 09 May 2015

i have a visit booked which i did online but i do not have a visiting order woll the prison let me in?

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 11 May 2015

Your identity will be checked on arrival to make sure you’re on the visitor list.

Comment by jessicca posted on 27 January 2015

What happens after you book the visit and its confirmed by email do you need the visiting order ?

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 29 January 2015

The Visiting Order (VO) number is generated by the booking system, it is included in your confirmation email and you will need this to change or cancel a booking.

However, if you're visiting a prison the guidance is that you only need your ID, not the VO number. If when you visit the prison you are asked for the VO number you should report this via the Contact Us link on the Prison Visits Booking form.

I hope that helps.

Comment by Ilysa Mcnally posted on 18 November 2014

How late in advance can I book e.g. book a visit today (Tuesday) for the Sunday coming???

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 19 November 2014

Hi Ilysa. Thanks for your question. A visit needs to be booked 3 working days in advance. So in this case, the visit request would have to be no later than Tuesday to allow for a visit on Sunday.

Comment by carole posted on 23 October 2014

How far in advance can you book visits

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 23 October 2014

Hi Carole. You can book up to 28 days in advance. Thanks for your question.

Comment by kimberly posted on 16 August 2015

does anyone know how to cancel a visit online?

Related content and links

Government digital service.

GDS is here to make digital government simpler, clearer and faster for everyone. Good digital services are better for users, and cheaper for the taxpayer.

Find out more .

Sign up and manage updates

Be part of the transformation.

If you’re interested in joining us, check out all open opportunities on the GDS careers site.

• GDS Podcasts

Recent Posts

• How we’re using Webinars to demonstrate how quick and easy it is to use GOV.UK Forms 28 February 2024
• How we are improving GOV.UK Pay with user satisfaction feedback 29 January 2024
• How we migrated our PostgreSQL database with 11 seconds downtime 17 January 2024

Comments and moderation

Social media house rules.

Read our guidelines

• The weekly online and monthly printed national newspaper for prisoners and detainees

Search articles and comments

• Inside Time Reports
• 13th December 2014
• Greater London , Male Cat. C , Prison Visit

Prison information

Address: Western Way Thamesmead London SE28 0NZ Switchboard: 020 3356 4000 Managed by: HMPPS Region: London Category:  Male Cat. C and YOI Link to: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/isis-prison

Description

HMP & YOI Isis protects the public by holding sentenced young adult males and category C offenders.

HMP & YOI Isis is sited within the perimeter wall of HMP Belmarsh

Visit Booking: On-line Use this online service to book a social visit to a prisoner in England or Wales you need the:

• prisoner number
• prisoner’s date of birth
• dates of birth for all visitors coming with you

The prisoner must add you to their visitor list before you can book a visit.

You’ll get an email confirming your visit. It takes 1 to 3 days.

ID: Every visit

Acceptable forms of ID

Related documents

• Prison Inspection Reports

Something missing or outdated?

If you have any information that you would like to be included or see anything that needs updating, contact Paul Sullivan at  [email protected]

Share this on:

You might also enjoy...

• Category C - NEW
• Male Cat. C
• 24th January 2017

HMYOI WARREN HILL

• 4th January 2015

One thought on “ HMYOI ISIS ”

I needed to leave a comment, man do I have a difficult time writing a blog. Im looking to kick start one on my website and I have to say its not easy at all. I really do admire people like yourself who are able to reveal anything with ease. Keep up the nice work!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Conditions of acceptance of website comments

Our locations

We provide quality healthcare to patients residing in the below secure environments.

HMP Altcourse

Switchboard:  0151 522 2000

Safer Custody Helpline

Prisoners’ Families Helpline: 0808 808 2003

If you are enquiring to confirm if a friend or relative is within our custody then please email  [email protected] .

Visiting the prison

Booking a visit – domestic visits (family and friends)

Prisoners are responsible for booking their own visits; this is done by using an application on the Central Management System (CMS) – accessed via touchscreen computer terminals that are located on each unit in the establishment. Once a visit has been approved it is up the individual prisoner to inform his family and friends of the date and time of the visit.

The maximum time a visit can be booked is 14 days in advance and the minimum is three days in advance.

Prisoners can book up to three adult visitors per session and three children less than 18 years of age. However, if the child is over 17 they will be classed as an adult.

It is the responsibility of the prisoner to book and inform friends and family of the time and date of visits. Staff are not responsible for booking or informing family and friends of visits or cancellation of visits. It is also the responsibility of the prisoner to inform visitors of correct identification requirements as well as other visit regulations, however visitors are encouraged to check the website for further details.

For sending correspondence/emails to your family or friend in prison, you can take advantage of the emailaprisoner.com system. Please log on to  https://www.emailaprisoner.com  and follow the instructions.

More information

Domestic visitors’ identification

All visitors to closed prisons, both adults and children, whether visiting for social or official purposes must be required to prove their identity at Reception. (Children’s birth certificates are suitable to prove the name and date of birth).

Two separate forms of up-to-date identification will be required to gain entry to the prison, including one photographic identification and two proof of address:

• Driving licence – acceptable on its own if photograph and the address matches the address provided by the prisoner on CMS.
• Passport – including foreign passports and time expired passports where the photograph is still recognisable.
• Bus pass (elderly only) – must have been issued by the Local Authority. Photograph must match.
• Student / Employers I.D. – must clearly show the name of the visitor and educational establishment/employer. Photograph must match.
• Citizen Card – A Citizen Card is an official UK ID/proof of age card recognised as such by the Home Office. Obtained online. A standard application costs £15 and takes 21 days (card posted by Royal Mail 2nd class); an urgent application costs £30 and takes 1-2 working days (subject to verification; card posted by Special Delivery guaranteed Next Day by 1pm). You can find out more at www.citizencard.com . Must be official, the photograph must match.

Two proof of address can include: (No more than six months old) 

• Utility bill
• Benefit book/letter
• Council tax/Tax Credit award
• Household bill or statement with the address on

For other forms of ID that may be acceptable please ensure you contact the prison Visits Booking line for advice.

If a visitor is unable to produce ID as above, staff may accept combinations of two or more of the following below, but must also include two proof of addresses:

• Birth/marriage certificate
• Rail or bus pass with photo
• Cheque book or credit/debit card (counts as one, do not accept as two)
• Employer’s pass or ID or student ID card not acceptable under paragraph 2
• Young person’s ‘proof of age’ card
• Trade Union or National Students’ union membership card
• Library card, if it has a signature that can be compared with the visitor’s signature
• Foreign identity or resident’s card (other than EC ID cards acceptable in their own right)
• Expired documents from the above lists that appear satisfactory in other ways
• ID Card from Prison Visitors Organisations

You may be refused entry if you do not have sufficient ID. This will be decided by the Visits Manager on duty. The Director has the discretion to accept any form of identification that clearly identifies the visitor in a satisfactory way.

Having had ID checked all visitors will have their photograph taken, fingerprints and hand stamped with UV ink. All adults and children over 10 years of age will have their fingerprints taken. 

Booking a visit – legal/officials only

Our dedicated booking line is staffed: Monday to Friday between 8.30am-4.30pm.

Official visitors can book by phone or via email:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 0151 522 2196 or 0151 522 2047

For non-confidential correspondence to your clients, you can take advantage of the emailaprisoner.com system. Please log on to  https://www.emailaprisoner.com/  and follow the instructions.

HMP & YOI Askham Grange

Switchboard:  0190 477 2000

Worried or concerned about a loved one?

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a woman at HMP & YOI Askham Grange , call the safer custody hotline on  0190 477 2026 .

How to keep in touch:

If you have a loved one in HMP & YOI Askham Grange you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting information:

Visiting HMP & YOI Askham Grange or need to know how to book a visit? You can find out visiting information  here .

You can also email the families team at HMP Askham Grange directly here:  [email protected] .

More information:

For more information, support and advice on all aspects of the justice system, you can contact the Prisoners’ Families Helpline on  0808 808 2003  (9am – 8pm Monday to Friday and 10am – 3pm at the weekend).

Children Heard and Seen supports children, young people and their families, who are impacted by parental imprisonment. If you would like to find out more about their services, you can contact them here:  [email protected] .

HMP Belmarsh

Switchboard:  020 8331 4400

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a prisoner in Belmarsh, call the safer custody hotline and leave a message. Someone will call you back within 24 hours.

Telephone: 0208 331 4890 Monday to Friday, 8am-4pm, weekends from 8am-12noon.

In an emergency, call 0208 331 4781 or 0208 331 4866 .

[email protected]

All visitors, aged 16 or older must prove their identity before entering the prison. All visitors will need to be given a pat-down search, including children. On your first visit, you will have your photo taken. You may have your fingerprints taken and an eye scan. You may also be sniffed by security dogs.

Belmarsh has a strict dress code policy, which means visitors should wear smart, family-friendly clothes (no ripped clothing, no vests, no low-cut tops, no shorts, no short dresses, no sports team clothing, no watches, only minimal jewellery, no offensive slogans and no headwear, other than that worn for religious reasons).

Refreshments are available during your visit.

There are strict controls on what you can take into Belmarsh. You will have to leave most of the things you have with you in a locker (you will need a £1 coin) or with security. This includes pushchairs and car seats.

You will be told the rules by an officer at the start of your visit. If you break the rules, your visit could be cancelled and you could be banned from visiting again.

Visiting facilities

There is a family-friendly visitors centre run by the  Prison Advice and Care Trust (PACT) .

Visitors should arrive to the visitors centre to book in for a visit. There is a tea bar in the visitor’s centre outside the prison and a full tea bar inside the main visits hall.

There is also a small play area in the visits centre and a larger staffed creche area in side the main visits hall.

Prisoners’ property can be handed in on a visit by application.

PACT Telephone: 0208 317 3888 Email:  [email protected]

Family days

Belmarsh is running one family day session per month.

More Information

You can  book your visit online , by email to  [email protected]  or by telephone

You can also register to use the  secure video calls  service.

Telephone booking line: 0208 331 4760 or 020 8331 4750 The booking line is open Monday to Friday, 9:30am-3pm Find out about call charges

You can arrive up to one hour before the time of your visit to go through security and check in.

Parking is limited so please arrive with plenty of time to park or use local transport.

All visits must be booked in advance. Only those visitors whose details have been listed on the Prisoner’s Authorisation Contact List (as provided by the prisoner) and those who are named on the booking will be allowed entry into the prison.

Prison staff cannot add visitor(s) to a Prisoner’s Authorisation Contact List without the consent/authorisation of a Prisoner.

Visiting times:

• Tuesday to Thursday: 9:15am-10:45am, 2:15pm-3:45pm
• Friday: 9:15am-10:45am
• Saturday: 9:30am-11:30am, 2:15pm-4:15pm
• Sunday: 2:15pm-4:15pm

HMP & YOI Brinsford

Switchboard:  0190 253 3450

If you are worried about a resident at HMP & YOI Brinsford , you can call the 24-hour safer custody helpline on  0190 253 3565 .

If you have a loved one in HMYOI Brinsford you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMYOI Brinsford or need to know how to book a visit? You can find out visiting information  here .

Barnardo’s runs the visitor’s centre at Brinsford. Trained, experienced staff are available during visit sessions to help families. They will also give people information about the range of support services available in the local community.

The team includes a dedicated family engagement worker and a child support worker who have specific roles. These roles include child activity and community support, as well as help for prisoners in repairing difficult or damaged family relationships. You can call the visits centre on  0138 441 1722  for more information.

HMP Brixton

Switchboard:  0208 588 6000

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP Brixton , call the safer custody hotline. Leave as much information as possible about the resident and your concerns, as well as your contact details. You may not receive a callback but the resident may be asked to contact you if appropriate. Telephone:  0208 588 6156 .

If you have a loved one in HMP Brixton you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Brixton or need to know how to book a visit? You can find out visiting information  here .

You can also contact the Prison Advice and Care Trust (PACT) Family Workers at HMP Brixton directly by emailing  [email protected] .

HMP Bullingdon

Switchboard:  0186 935 3100

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP Bullingdon , call the safer custody hotline on 01869 356893. Leave as much information as possible about the resident and your concerns, as well as your contact details. You may not receive a callback but the resident may be asked to contact you if appropriate.

If you have a loved one in HMP Bullingdon you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Bullingdon or need to know how to book a visit? You can find out visiting information here: https://www.prisonadvice.org.uk/hmp-bullingdon

You can also email the family services team at HMP Bullingdon directly by emailing [email protected].

Children Heard and Seen support children, young people and their families, who are impacted by parental imprisonment. If you would like to find out more about their services, you can contact them here:  [email protected] .

Switchboard:  0160 332 6000

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP Bure , call the safer custody hotline on  0160 332 6012 . The phone line is monitored 24 hours a day and all calls are treated as confidential.

If you have a a loved one in HMP Bure you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Bure or need to know how to book a visit? You can find out visiting information  here .

HMP & YOI Doncaster

Switchboard:  0808 808 2003

In an emergency, or if you are concerned about a man’s safety, health or wellbeing in HMP & YOI Doncaster please contact the prison on  01302 760870  and ask to speak to the Orderly Officer stating your concern is an emergency. You can also visit w ww.prisonersfamilies.org/hmp-doncaster and submit a safer custody form.

If you have a loved one in HMP & YOI Doncaster you can email them via  email a prisoner .

HMP Dovegate

Switchboard:  0128 382 9400

If you are concerned about a prisoner’s safety, health or well-being please contact the prison on  0128 382 9400  at any time. This number is manned 24 hours a day.

If you have a loved one in HMP Dovegate you can email them via  email a prisoner .

HMP & YOI Drake Hall

Switchboard:  0178 577 4100

If you have safety, health or well-being concerns about a woman in HMP & YOI Drake Hall please call the Safer Custody team on  0178 577 4217 .

You can also email the team at HMP Drake Hall directly by emailing  [email protected] .

If you have a loved one in HMP & YOI Drake Hall you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP & YOI Drake Hall or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

You can also email the family services team at HMP Drake Hall directly by emailing  [email protected] .

HMP Featherstone

Switchboard:  0190 270 3000

If you are concerned about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP Featherstone , contact the safer custody team. Please leave a message with their name, prison number and details of your concerns, also leave your name, contact number and relationship with them.

Email:  [email protected]

Safer custody hotline:  0190 270 3081

If you have a loved one in HMP Featherstone you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Featherstone or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visits information  here .

Switchboard:  0190 366 3000

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP Ford , call the anti-drugs and safer custody hotline on  0800 389 2246 . Please leave a message with their name, prison number and details of your concerns, also leave your name, contact number and relationship with them.

If you have a loved one in HMP Ford you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Ford or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

You can contact the Family Services Manager directly on  0797 063 8276  or  [email protected] .

Gatwick IRC

Switchboard:  01293 566 500

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]  (to arrange visits) [email protected]  (to request medical records)

Visiting hours are 2pm-5.30pm and 6pm-9pm every day. Last admission is at 8.30pm.

You must book at least one day in advance, between 8am and 9pm.

• You must bring the following:
• passport or travel document
• driving licence (paper and photo sections)

Or you can bring two of the following:

• birth or marriage certificate
• rail or bus pass with photo
• employer’s ID or student card with photo
• young person’s proof of age card
• trade union membership card
• older person’s bus pass
• benefits book
• application registration card (ARC)

There’s a free bus service from Atlantic House to Brook House with a stop at  Tinsley House . The pick-up point is in front of Atlantic House, just outside Gatwick South Terminal. You can ask about bus times or how to arrange a pick-up when you book your visit.

There’s a free on-site car park. If you use a satnav, use the street name Perimeter Road South, not the postcode.

HMP Grendon

Switchboard:  0129 644 5000

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP Grendon , call the safer custody hotline (24 hours) on  0129 644 5026 .

If you have a loved one in HMP Grendon you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Grendon or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visits information  here .

For visiting enquiries, please ring  0129 644 5243 .

HMP & YOI Hatfield

Switchboard:  0140 574 6500

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of someone in HMP & YOI Hatfield , call the 24-hour safer custody hotline on  0140 575 6509 .

If you have a loved one in HMP & YOI Hatfield you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP & YOI Hatfield or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

You can also email the families team at HMP & YOI Hatfield directly by emailing  [email protected] .

Heathrow IRC

Switchboard:  020 8607 5200

If you have any safeguarding concerns for residents in our care, please contact the Safer Community hotline on 020 8607 5303 .

Email:  [email protected]  (to arrange legal visits – for legal professionals only) Email:  [email protected]  (to arrange a social visit) Email:  [email protected]  (to request medical records)

Visiting hours are 2pm-9pm every day. Last admission is at 8.30pm.

• You must book your visit in advance.
• photo ID (passport or driving licence)
• utility bill showing your name and address

As per Home Office requirements, all visitors over the age of 18 must present the following ID prior to entry :

One of the following:

• A passport (current or if expired within 5 years of expiry date). This can include foreign passports and travel documents recognised by HM Government
• European Community identity card
• Photographic driving licence
• Or two of the following:
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate
• Rail or bus pass with photograph
• Employer’s ID card or NUS student card
• Young person’s proof of age card
• Trade union membership card
• Senior citizen travel pass issued by a local authority
• Home Office ARC card (asylum support application registration card)
• Benefits book

There is a refreshment kiosk in the hall and visitors may bring £10 in change to purchase drinks and snacks.

Please bring a £1 coin to use one of the lockers provided, this will be reimbursed to visitors when they depart the centre.

HMP Highpoint

Switchboard:  0144 074 3100

Contact the Safer Custody hotline on  0144 074 3004  with any immediate concerns about a resident. This line is checked twice a day, you can leave a message and it will be dealt with promptly.

If you have a loved one in HMP Highpoint you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Highpoint or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

Ormiston deliver visitor services at HMP Highpoint. You can contact them on  0147 372 4517  or  [email protected] .

HMP Huntercombe

Switchboard:  0149 164 3100

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP Huntercombe contact the safer custody hotline on  0149 164 3225 . Leave as much information as possible and a telephone number for staff to call you back. You can also email  [email protected] .

If you have a loved one in HMP Huntercombe you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Huntercombe or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visits information  here .

You can email the family services team at HMP Huntercombe directly by emailing  [email protected] .

HMP & YOI Hollesley Bay

Switchboard:  0139 441 2400

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP & YOI Hollesley Bay you can contact the Safer Custody team on  0139 441 2462 .

If you have a loved one in HMP & YOI Hollesley Bay you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP & YOI Hollesley Bay or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

Ormiston delivers visitor services at HMP & YOI Hollesley Bay. You can contact them at  0147 3724517  or  [email protected] .

HMP Isle of Wight

Switchboard:  0198 363 4000

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP Isle of Wight , call the safer custody hotline on  0800 496 1125 . The mailbox is checked regularly each day. Please leave as much information as possible and a telephone number for staff to call you back.

If you have a loved one in HMP Isle of Wight you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Isle of Wight or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visits information  here .

You can also call the family services team directly on  0198 386 5657 .

Switchboard:  0113 203 2600

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP Leeds call the safer custody hotline on  0113 203 2629 . Leave your name, your telephone number, the prisoner’s name and prisoner number, and a brief description of the problem. Someone will call you back within 24 hours.

If you have a loved one in HMP Leeds you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Leeds or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

You can also email the families team directly on:  [email protected] .

Switchboard:  0127 378 5100

Families of residents in HMP Lewes can use the safer custody hotline to report bullying or concerns about self-harm or suicide. It is staffed during office hours. At other times there is an answerphone which is checked and followed up every day.

Please leave your name, the resident’s name, a return contact number and brief details about your concern and a member of staff will call you back. The safer custody hotline number is  0127 378 5392 . You can also email:  [email protected] .

If you have a loved one in HMP Lewes you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Lewes or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

Spurgeons staff at HMP Lewes have a Facebook support page and private Facebook support group for families, please contact the team to find out how you can join. You can call them on  0797 063 8276  or email  [email protected] .

HMP Lindholme

Switchboard:  0130 252 4700

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP Lindholme , call the safer custody hotline on  0130 252 4731 .

You may be asked to leave a message. If so, include your name, telephone number and why you’re calling, as well as the name and prisoner number of the man you’re worried about. Somebody should call you back within 24 hours.

If you have a loved one in HMP Lindholme you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Lindholme or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

You can also email the families team at HMP Lindholme directly by emailing  [email protected] .

HMP Long Lartin

Switchboard:  0138 629 5100

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP Long Lartin , call the safer custody hotline on  0800 496 1455 .

Leave your name, telephone number, the reason for your call and the name and prisoner number of the man you are worried about. You should be called back within 24 hours.

If you have a loved one in HMP Long Lartin you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Long Lartin or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

The Prison Advice and Care Trust (PACT) offer help and support to families and friends with someone in HMP Long Lartin. You can contact them here  [email protected] .

HMP & YOI Moorland

Switchboard:  0130 252 3000

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP & YOI Moorland call the safer custody hotline on  0800 496 1364 .

Leave your name, the reason for your call and the name of your loved one and their prisoner number. You will be called back in 24 hours. An emergency number will always be given.

If you have a loved one in HMP & YOI Moorland you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP & YOI Moorland or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

You can also email the families team at HMP & YOI Moorland directly by emailing  [email protected] .

HMP & YOI New Hall

Switchboard:  0192 480 3000

If you are concerned about the safety or wellbeing of a woman in HMP & YOI New Hall call the safer custody line on  0192 484 0723 . You will be asked to leave a recorded message that staff will listen to. Please give the full name of the prisoner you are concerned about and include your contact number if possible.

If you have a loved one in HMP & YOI New Hall you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP & YOI New Hall or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

HMP Oakwood

Switchboard:  0190 279 9700

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP Oakwood call the safer custody hotline on  0190 279 9991 .

If you get an answering machine, please leave as much information as possible and a telephone number for staff to call you back. You will receive a response within 24 hours.

If you have a loved one in HMP Oakwood you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Oakwood or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

You can email the visits team here:  [email protected]  or call the visits centre on  0121 707 1008 .

HMP Pentonville

Switchboard:  0207 023 7000

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP Pentonville call the safer custody hotline on  0207 023 7341 .

If you get an answering machine, leave as much information as possible and a telephone number for staff to call you back. You will receive a response within 24 hours.

You can also email  [email protected] .

If you have a loved one in HMP Pentonville you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Pentonville or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

You can also contact the family services via [email protected] or the visitors’ centre on  0207 700 0912 .

HMP Spring Hill

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP Spring Hill call the safer custody hotline (24 hours) on 01296 445 026.

If you have a loved one in HMP Springhill you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Spring Hill or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

For visit bookings and inquiries you can call the visitors’ centre directly on  0129 644 5243 .

HMP Stafford

Switchboard:  0178 577 3000

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP Stafford , call the safer custody hotline on  0178 577 3127  and leave as much information as possible. All issues raised will be investigated.

If you have a loved one in HMP Stafford you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Stafford or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

HMP Stocken

Switchboard:  0178 079 5100

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP Stocken , call the safer custody hotline on  0178 079 5213  and leave as much information as possible. All issues raised will be investigated.

If you have a loved one in HMP Stocken you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Stocken or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

HMP & YOI Swinfen Hall

Switchboard:  0154 348 4000

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP & YOI Swinfen Hall call the safer custody hotline on  0154 348 4244  and leave a message with as much information as possible. Someone will call you back within 24 hours.

If you have a loved one in HMP & YOI Swinfen Hall you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP & YOI Swinfen Hall or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

HMP Thameside

Switchboard:  020 8317 9777

If you are concerned about the safety, health or wellbeing of a prisoner, please contact us in the following ways:

• Email:  [email protected]
• Safer Custody hotline voicemail box: 020 8317 5593
• Email:  [email protected]

Please be aware these three accounts are only accessed at irregular intervals between the hours of 8.30am-5pm Monday to Friday

Out of hours and weekends or for urgent issues please contact our main telephone number: 020 8317 9777 . This will allow you to be diverted to the most suitable area to manage your query.

[email protected]

ALL visitors, whether they have visited before or if it is their first time visiting, must bring a photographic ID and proof of current address with them for every visit and must be able to clearly identify themselves as the person that they are claiming to be. The proof of address must match the address submitted by the prisoner when booking the visit. If you are unable to provide this or the addresses do not match then you will not be permitted to enter.

All visitors at HMP Thameside must be appropriately dressed at all times. Failure to comply will result in you being refused entry to the establishment. The following restrictions apply to all visits of all ages. This is by no means a complete list and is reviewed regularly.

HMP Wakefield

Switchboard:  0192 461 2000

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP Wakefield call the switchboard on  0192 461 2000  and ask to speak to the Safer Prisons department or the duty governor. In an emergency, ask for the ‘control room’. They will pass on your concerns to the orderly officer immediately.

You can also call the Safer Prisons Family Helpline on  0800 389 1108  and leave a message. It is monitored from 8am to 5pm and once after midnight.

If you have a loved one in HMP Wakefield you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Wakefield or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

HMP Warren Hill

Switchboard:  0139 463 3400

Please call  0139 463 3400  (24 hours) and ask for the Safer Custody hotline to report immediate concerns you may have about a resident at HMP Warren Hill .

If you have a loved one in HMP Warren Hill you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Warren Hill or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

Ormiston family services work at Warren hill and can be contacted on  0147 372 4517  or  [email protected] .

HMP Wayland

Switchboard:  01953 804100

If you have concerns about the safety, health or wellbeing of a man in HMP Wayland , call the safer custody hotline on  0195 380 4000 .

You may be asked to leave a message. Please leave as much information as possible about your concern. All issues raised will be investigated.

If you have a loved one in HMP Wayland you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Wayland or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

HMP Wealstun

Switchboard:  0193 744 4400

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP Wealstun call the safer custody (at risk) hotline on  0193 744 4774 .

Leave your name, telephone number and the reason for your call. Also, leave the name and prisoner number of your loved one. You will get a call back within 24 hours.

If you have a loved one in HMP Wealstun you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Wealstun or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

You can also email the team directly on:  [email protected] .

HMP & YOI Werrington

Switchboard:  0178 246 3300

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a young person in HMP & YOI Werrington call the safeguarding line on  0178 246 3355 . There is an answerphone out of hours and it is checked regularly. Please leave your name, telephone number and the reason for your call. Also, leave the name and prisoner number of your loved one.

If you have a loved one in HMPYOI Werrington you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMPYOI Werrington or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

HMP Whatton

Switchboard:  0194 980 3200

HMP Whatton has a safer custody hotline to call or email if you are worried about the health or safety of a resident. Please call  0194 980 3484  and leave your name, telephone number and the reason for your call. Also, leave the name and prisoner number of your loved one. You can also email  [email protected] .

If you have a loved one in HMP Whatton you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Whatton or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visits information  here .

For further information about the visitor centre call  0194 980 3564  or email  [email protected] .

HMP & YOI Winchester

Switchboard:  0196 272 3000

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP & YOI Winchester call the safer custody hotline on  0196 272 3320 . Please leave your name, telephone number and the reason for your call. Also, leave the name and prisoner number of your loved one.

If you have a loved one in HMP & YOI Winchester you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Winchester or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visits information  here .

HMP Wormwood Scrubs

Switchboard:  0208 588 3200

If you are worried about your loved one while they are a resident at HMP Wormwood Scrubs you can contact the Safer Custody team on  0208 588 3216 . You may be asked to leave a voicemail. Please make sure you include:

• The reason that you are calling.
• The name of your family member/friend (and their prison number if you know it).
• Your telephone number (so that the prison can call you back).

Please wait at least 24 hours for a call back before contacting the prison again.

If you have a loved one in HMP Wormwood Scrubs you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Wormwood Scrubs or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

You may be interested in

We’re proud to be leading the way in this sector with a range of healthcare initiatives which focus on utilising technology and actively involving patients in our service planning and delivery.

Find out more

Practice Plus Group is responsible for healthcare services supporting around 41,000 patients in secure settings nationwide.

We are proud to offer both university and apprenticeship students the opportunity to gain work experience in an extensive range of clinical areas.

We provide an extensive range of healthcare services to patients in secure settings. Learn more about the different care services we deliver.

We’ve developed an innovative wellbeing model for use in secure settings. This leaves behind the old disease-led models of healthcare to take a holistic approach.

News and blogs

Celebrating Thomas Howard: the autism spectrum and professional growth

Ultrasound-guided injection costs in the UK – a guide

There’s no stopping Dr Hocking in 300km cycle challenge!

It’s the back of the net for Stuart’s hip problems

No products in the basket.

Belmarsh Prison Information

Contact information, booking a visit to belmarsh prison.

Unlimited Prison Phone Calls Package

Find a prison

Search by prison name, town or postcode

There are no results within 40 miles of that location.

Prison Directory

If your prison is not listed, you can find information for prisons and young offender institutions in England and Wales on gov.uk's 'prison finder' pages.

• Skip to content
• Accessibility Help

We sometimes place small data files on your computer or phone. These are known as cookies and most websites do this.

We use cookies to store information about how you use the bexley.gov.uk website, such as the pages you visit.

A cookie is a small file of letters and numbers downloaded onto a device (computer for example) when a user accesses certain websites.

Cookies help a website to function properly by allowing the website to recognise a user's device for the purpose of remembering the devices site preferences/details.

Bexley Council uses cookies on this website and does not permit the use of cookies or any other devices that collects and stores information, which either on its own or when combined with other information identify an individual.

Services, Groups, and Clubs

HMP Belmarsh and HMP Thameside (healthcare)

Description, prison health care services.

These services offer a primary care type of service in a prison, usually in a health centre or similar setting. They may include a full range of medical service as well as some outpatient clinical sessions held in the prison.

The services in prison usually consist of teams of registered nurses (RN) who are on either the adult, mental health or learning disability parts of the register and, where children are concerned (that is, mother and baby units) health visitors and midwives.

Some prison health services have inpatient facilities, which are not considered "hospitals". These will care for people with physical ill health or mental health needs who are not ill enough to need specialist care, treatment and support in secondary care services. If the person"s condition worsens, they would be immediately sent out to external NHS hospitals and not returned to prison unless deemed clinically well enough to be discharged.

The services may also provide care, treatment and support for people with mental health needs through multi-disciplinary in-reach teams. These teams offer a similar range of specialist care, treatment and support as provided by community-based mental health services.

The services may also provide substance misuse treatment and rehabilitation services for people who misuse drugs and/or alcohol. They provide counselling, assessment, referral, advice and through-care, both pharmacological and psychosocial. They employ a broad range of health and social care professionals to meet the needs of people who use their services.

Service Details

Cqc properties.

• Caring for adults over 65 yrs
• Caring for adults under 65 yrs
• Prison healthcare
• Diagnostic and screening procedures
• Treatment of disease, disorder or injury

This page was last updated on 07 June 2023

Contact Details

People who viewed this service also viewed.

• HMP & YOI Isis
• Hazelcourt Kennels & Cattery
• Bracton Centre Medium Secure Unit
• Central Library, Bexleyheath
• Jewish Women's Aid

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Gang wars rage behind bars at ‘Britain’s toughest prison’

Share this with

A catalogue of almost 300 assaults at a prison dubbed ‘Britain’s toughest’ shows how gangs fought running battles.

The violence erupted at HMP Belmarsh between individuals and groups of inmates, including clashes involving improvised weapons.   

Sex offenders were also targeted as mob rule took hold, with the targets being identified from media coverage in at least one case.  

The violence has been revealed in a list of 282 assaults released by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) under the Freedom of Information Act.  

One of the logs obtained by Metro.co.uk documents an attack by seven prisoners on another inmate in a running conflict.  

The entry reads: ‘A fight between seven prisoners, six prisoners assaulted one. Allegedly this is gang-related conflict, and a follow on from the fight that occurred on Monday in reception.’ 

The outnumbered prisoner sustained facial injuries and was seen by a nurse who gave him painkillers following the assault on September 13.  

He refused to have his photograph taken. All the prisoners were discharged to court after being seen by nurses, according to the log.  

A general alarm was raised during another attack when three prisoners made their way to the showers and fought with another two inmates.  

One of the attackers was found with a weapon as he was caught by staff trying to dispose of it after running away from the scene. 

Three days later, another fight broke out during dinner service shortly after 5pm. Three prisoners attacked a rival with weapons on a top landing.

Another inmate is said to have then attempted to fight back on behalf of the person being assaulted.  

Latest London news

• Exact date the UK is set to be hotter than Los Angeles revealed
• M25 shut by crash while faulty train causes severe delays on London Underground
• There are some secret ancient ruins hiding in a London car park

To get the latest news from the capital visit Metro.co.uk's London news hub .

The log says the incident was ‘due to rival gang conflict’ and states: ‘Staff separated the prisoners, and two weapons were recovered.’  

In total there are 14 incidents on the list that prison staff identified as being gang-related.  

The heavily redacted disclosure shows the level of violence at a Category A prison which has been dubbed ‘Britain’s toughest jail’ in media reports and TV documentaries. 

Current and past inmates include Soham killer Ian Huntley, Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, great train robber Ronnie Biggs and Henry Long, Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, the three killers of PC Andrew Harper.      

Attacks have also taking place on prison officers and members of staff, including a ‘jugging’ of an orderly which was reported by Metro.co.uk earlier this week. The worker was burnt by a mix of boiling water, oil and Vaseline thrown by an inmate who claimed the worker had been ‘disrespectful’ when collecting and giving out food boxes.

Sex offenders were targeted on three separate occasions, including after the assailants had recognised them from media coverage of their cases.  

In one of the incidents, the victim told an officer that he had been assaulted by four other prisoners in his cell.

Two of them said they ‘recognised him’ as a sex offender, he said.  

A log for the attack on January 26 last year reads: ‘Mr [Redacted] claims that after the assault they made him clean up his cell and change his clothes.’  

Andrew Neilson, director of campaigns at the Howard League for Penal Reform, which campaigns for less crime and safer communities, said: ‘The rising number of assaults and self-harm incidents in prison is a major concern, and the catalogue of reports from Belmarsh reveals how distressing this can be for people living and working behind bars.’ 

Releasing the data, the MoJ said the figures had ‘not yet undergone scrutiny’ or been published as part of official safety statistics. 

The Prison Service maintains that violent prisoners can face tough punishments, including a maximum of two years behind bars. 

Steps to reduce weapons, drugs and mobile phones include phone-blocking technology, additional X-ray body scanners and the provision of PAVA, a synthetic pepper spray.  

A spokesperson said: ‘We do not tolerate violence in our prisons and assaults have fallen by 20 per cent since 2019. 

‘We have also invested £100m into tough security measures to clamp down on the contraband that fuels violence behind bars and have equipped officers with PAVA spray and body-worn cameras to boost protection.’ 

MORE : Worker’s forehead ‘peeled off’ after ‘jugging’ at top security jail

MORE : Workshop tools and cutthroat blades: The violence at one of UK’s top security jails

MORE : Officers slashed, bitten and strangled in attacks at maximum security jail

Do you have a story you would like to share? Contact  [email protected]

Sign Up for News Updates

Get your need-to-know latest news, feel-good stories, analysis and more.

Privacy Policy

Get us in your feed

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

• Crime, justice and law
• Prisons and probation

Pentonville Prison

Pentonville is a men’s prison and young offender institution in the London Borough of Islington, North London.

Applies to England and Wales

Help us to improve this page. Give us your feedback in this 2-minute survey .

Book and plan your visit to Pentonville

To visit someone in Pentonville you must:

• be on that person’s visitor list
• book your visit at least 24 hours in advance
• have the required ID with you when you go

Up to 3 visitors over the age of 12 are allowed at a time, plus children under 12. At least one visitor must be 18 or older at every visit.

There may be a limit to the number of visits a person can have. You can check this with Pentonville.

Contact Pentonville if you have any questions about visiting.

Help with the cost of your visit

If you get certain benefits or have an NHS health certificate, you might be able to get help with the costs of your visit , including:

• travel to Pentonville
• somewhere to stay overnight

How to book family and friends visits

You can book your visit by telephone.

Telephone booking line: 0300 060 6504 Find out about call charges

The booking line is open:

• Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm

Visiting times:

• Monday: 1:45pm to 2:40pm and 3:20pm to 4:15pm
• Tuesday: 1:45pm to 2:40pm and 3:20pm to 4:15pm
• Wednesday: 1:45pm to 2:40pm and 3:20pm to 4:15pm
• Thursday: 1:45pm to 2:40pm and 3:20pm to 4:15pm
• Friday: 1:45pm to 2:40pm and 3:20pm to 4:15pm
• Saturday: 10:30am to 11:30am and 3pm to 4pm
• Sunday: Enhanced Visit only 2:30pm to 4:30pm (in-house booking only by prisoner)

You will not be admitted if you are more than half an hour late.

Visits are provided on a wing basis within a 6 week cycle. The new cycles are published on the wings for prisoners attention and shared with the booking line.

How to book legal and professional visits

You can book a legal or professional visit by emailing [email protected] .

• Face-to-face visits: Monday to Friday 9am to 11am
• Video link legal visits: 1 hour slots from 9am to 4pm. Please note there is a staff break between 12:30pm to 1:30pm

Getting to Pentonville

Find Pentonville on a map

Pentonville is a 5-minute walk from Caledonian Road underground station or Caledonian Road and Barnsbury overground station. The closest mainline railway station is London King’s Cross. Several local bus routes pass the prison such as Bus 17, 91, 259 and 274.

To plan your journey by public transport:

• use Transport for London journey planner
• use National Rail Enquiries

There is no visitor parking at the prison and local roads are restricted to permit holders.

Entering Pentonville

All visitors, aged 16 or older must prove their identity before entering the prison. Read the list of acceptable forms of ID when visiting a prison .

Children under 16 should bring their full birth certificate.

All visitors will need to be given a pat-down search, including children. You may also be sniffed by security dogs.

Pentonville has a strict dress code policy which means visitors should dress appropriately. You will be turned away if you are wearing items such as hoodies, vests, low-cut tops, high-cut shorts or dresses, ripped jeans, flip-flops or headwear other than for religious reasons. Additionally, you cannot wear anything with offensive patterns or slogans, football shirts, steel toe-capped boots or motorcycle boots. You will need to remove coats, hats, gloves, metal accessories, sunglasses, and smart watches before you go in. Ask in the visitors’ centre if you have questions about the dress code.

There will be refreshments available during your visit. You will have to pay for your choice at the Visitors Centre where you will be given a token to present at the tea bar.

You are only allowed to take into the prison the following items:

• Your proof of identification
• Your token for refreshment
• Feeding bottle for baby
• A signed disclaimer form

You will be told the rules by an officer at the start of your visit. If you break the rules, your visit could be cancelled, and you could be banned from visiting again. Trafficking in unauthorised items is prohibited. If there is any suspicion or you are caught, this will lead to a minimum ban of 3 months and the prisoner will be placed on closed visits for the same period.

Visiting facilities

There is a visitors centre run by the Prison Advice and Care Trust (PACT) charity. Family and friends can relax and get advice and support from the staff.

It is open Monday to Saturday from 8:30am to 4:30pm and on Sunday from 12:30pm to 4:30pm.

Email: [email protected] Telephone: 020 7700 0912 Find out about call charges

There are lockers in the visitors centre to store your belongings. These take tokens which you can get for £1 from the visitors centre staff.

Family days

Family days are now running, and it is only applicable to those prisoners on Enhance IEP levels. Family days are delivered on each wing’s Sunday enhanced visit day on a rota basis. Enhance IEP prisoners are given the opportunity to apply for it when it is their wing’s session.

Keep in touch with someone at Pentonville

There are several ways you can keep in touch with a prisoner during their time at Pentonville.

Secure video calls

To have a secure video call with someone in this prison you need to:

• Download the Prison Video app
• Create an account
• Register all visitors
• Add the prisoner to your contact list.

How to book a secure video call

Secure video calls at this prison can be requested by prisoners only.

You will receive a notification if a prisoner has requested a video call with you.

Read more about how it works

Phone calls

Prisoners do have phones in their cells so they can always call at their own convenience. They need to buy phone credits to do this.

They can phone anyone named on their list of friends and family. This list is checked by security when they first arrive so it may take a few days before they are able to call.

You can also exchange voicemails using the Prison Voicemail service.

Officers may listen to phone calls as a way of preventing crime and helping keep people safe.

You can send emails to someone in Pentonville using the Email a Prisoner service .

You might also be able to attach photos and receive replies from the prisoner, depending on the rules at Pentonville.

You can write at any time.

Include the person’s name and prisoner number on the envelope.

If you do not know their prisoner number, contact Pentonville .

All post apart from legal letters will be opened and checked by officers.

HMP/YOI Pentonville Caledonian Road London N7 8TT

Send money and gifts

You can use the free and fast online service to send money to someone in prison .

You can no longer send money by bank transfer, cheque, postal order or send cash by post.

If you cannot use the online service, you may be able to apply for an exemption - for example if you:

• are unable to use a computer, a smart phone or the internet
• do not have a debit card

This will allow you to send money by post.

Gifts and parcels

When a person first arrives at Pentonville they are given a parcel label and delivery form. These can be used by a family member or friend to send a parcel into the prison. The delivery form describes what items are allowed and how to correctly label the parcel. There is a maximum weight limit of 15kg.

Prisoners are allowed one parcel every 6 months.

Family and friends can hand books in for prisoners at the visitors centre before any visit, send books directly to their loved ones, or can order books from approved retailers, which can source and send the books on to prisoners.   For the full list of approved retailers, you can read the HMPPS Incentives Policy, Annex F .

Prisoners on the ‘enhanced’ behaviour level can also apply for a family member or friend to send them a games console and games.

All parcels will be opened and checked by officers.

Contact Pentonville for more information on sending parcels.

Life at Pentonville

Pentonville is committed to providing a safe and educational environment where prisoners can learn new skills to help them on release.

Security and safeguarding

Every person at Pentonville has a right to feel safe. The staff are responsible for their safeguarding and welfare at all times.

For further information about what to do when you are worried or concerned about someone in prison visit the Prisoners’ Families helpline website .

Pentonville also trains prisoners to be ‘listeners’ to help support other prisoners going through difficult times.

Arrival and first night

When a prisoner first arrives at Pentonville, they will be able to contact a family member by phone. This could be quite late in the evening, depending on the time they arrive.

They will get to speak to someone who will check how they’re feeling, and see a medical professional to address any immediate health and wellbeing needs.

Each person who arrives at Pentonville gets an induction that lasts 4 days. They will meet professionals who will help them with:

• health and wellbeing, including mental and sexual health
• any substance misuse issues, including drugs and alcohol
• personal development in custody and on release, including skills, education and training
• other support (sometimes called ‘interventions’), such as managing difficult emotions

Everyone also finds out about the rules, fire safety, and how things like calls and visits work.

Accommodation

Around 1,300 prisoners live at Pentonville in a mixture of single and shared cells across 7 wings.

There are 4 gym areas offering a range of activities for prisoners of all physical abilities.

Pentonville runs a multi-faith chaplaincy service which offers religious services and teaching to all prisoners, whatever their faith. They also provide counselling and support to prisoners.

Education and work

Prisoners have access to education and training provided by Novus .

All prisoners are offered help improving their literacy, numeracy and language skills and can study for qualifications in a broad range of work-related subjects, including:

• information and communications technology (ICT)
• health and safety
• painting and decorating
• industrial cleaning
• radio production
• customer services
• food safety

Pentonville runs 2 workshops providing employment for prisoners. The textiles workshop produces bedding for prisons and the recycling workshop recycles waste from within the prison. There are also many roles available throughout Pentonville, including cleaning, orderly duties, catering and barbering.

Organisations Pentonville works with

Pentonville works with Catch 22 , a not-for-profit business, to help prisoners with gang involvement and related issues.

Support for family and friends

Find out about advice and helplines for family and friends .

Support at Pentonville

The Prison Advice and Care Trust (PACT) and Phoenix Futures provide individual support with a range of issues including family estrangement, child contact and social services.

To get help with a family issue, email [email protected] .

Concerns, problems and complaints

In an emergency.

Call 02070 237 000 if you think a prisoner is at immediate risk of harm. Ask for the Orderly Officer and explain that your concern is an emergency.

Problems and complaints

If you have a problem contact Pentonville .

Inspection reports

HM Prison and Probation Service publishes action plans for Pentonville in response to independent inspections.

Contact Pentonville

Governor: Ian Blakeman

Telephone: 020 7023 7000 Fax: 020 7023 7001 Find out about call charges

Opening hours updated for visits booking telephone line.

Secure video calls update.

Updated visiting guidance based on 1 April COVID rule changes

Added link to new safer custody information under Security and safeguarding.

Updated visiting information: Testing for visitors aged 12 and over.

Added link to information about testing for physical contact at visits.

New visiting times and booking information added.

Prison moved into National Stage 3 framework and is now preparing to open visits for family, friends and significant others. We will update this page with specific visiting information as soon as possible.

visits update

Updated visit info

Updated visiting information in line with new national restrictions in England.

Covid update

Updated visiting times and visiting procedure changes in line with coronavirus restrictions.

Added confirmation of secure video calls being made available at this prison.

added survey link

First published.

Related content

Is this page useful.

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.

General Information, HMP Belmarsh

Belmarsh Prison opened almost 25 years ago and was the first adult prison to be built in London since Wormwood Scrubs in 1874. The bulk of the prison is on a large site surrounded by a perimeter wall about 1 mile long.

Accommodation  

The prison has 4 house blocks, each 3 storey and each with 3 spurs. Each spur contains 42 single and double cells.

• House block 1 – 174 older prisoners, life sentence and mixed population.
• House block 2 – 174 on short sentences, remands and mixed population.
• House block 3 – 174 on first night centre/induction and remand prisoners.
• House block 4 – 171 on vulnerable prisoners spur and mixed population.
• High secure unit (HSU) – a self-contained unit holding up to 47 prisoners who require a high level of security (including a small discrete segregation unit for HSU prisoners only).
• Segregation unit – holding up to 16 prisoners serving periods of punishment or needing to be separated from others. It also contains two designated prison rule 46 cells used for the temporary management of close supervision centre (CSC) system.
• Health care inpatients – a 33-bed inpatient facility
• Return to Belmarsh

Share this:

You don't always get what you are entitled to unless you ask properly!

We can introduce you to  experienced  lawyers can help you with parole,  probation,  immigration, adjudications, visits and any other complaints  and disputes you have with the Prison Service.

The solicitors are all experts on how the Prison Service/Criminal Law  system works and will be able to provide to you the necessary advice and support to ensure you or your loved ones are treated fairly. These lawyers are "small enough to care about you, but big enough to fight for you"

and remember the old saying:

"  A Man Who Is His Own Lawyer Has A Fool for a Client"

Click here to go to the list of lawyers in your area

Find deals for any season

From cozy bed & breakfasts to luxury hotels

Get instant discounts

Get inspiration for your next trip More

5 of the best hotels in los angeles.

From Hollywood to Beverly Hills discover 5 of the best hotels in Los Angeles for your stay

Destinations Bookers love

Save time, save money.

Error: Please enter a valid email address.

Error: Oops! An error has occurred.

Thanks! We've sent you an email so you can confirm your subscription

List your property

• Mobile version
• Your account
• Make changes online to your booking
• Customer Service Help
• Booking.com for Business
• Places of interest
• Guest Houses
• Unique places to stay
• All destinations
• All flight destinations
• All car rental locations
• All vacation destinations
• Discover monthly stays
• Unpacked: Travel articles
• Seasonal and holiday deals
• Traveller Review Awards
• Flight finder
• Restaurant reservations
• Booking.com for Travel Agents
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQs
• About Booking.com
• Partner help
• Sustainability
• Press Center
• Safety Resource Center
• Investor relations
• Terms & Conditions
• Partner dispute
• How We Work
• Privacy & cookie statement
• MSA statement
• Corporate contact
• Content guidelines and reporting

Booking.com is part of Booking Holdings Inc., the world leader in online travel and related services.

Verified reviews from real guests.

We have more than 70 million property reviews, all from real, verified guests .

How does it work?

It starts with a booking.

The only way to leave a review is to first make a booking. That's how we know our reviews come from real guests who have stayed at the property.

Followed by a trip

When guests stay at the property, they check out how quiet the room is, how friendly the staff is, and more.

And finally, a review

After their trip, guests tell us about their stay. We check for naughty words and verify the authenticity of all guest reviews before adding them to our site.

If you booked through us and want to leave a review, please sign in first.

Check-in date

Check-out date