Guys Marsh Prison Information

Guys Marsh Prison
Guys Marsh Prison, officially known as HMP Guys Marsh, is a Category C men's prison located in Shaftesbury, Dorset, England. Managed by Her Majesty's Prison Service, Guys Marsh Prison primarily accommodates adult male offenders. Here is important information about Guys Marsh Prison:

Guys Marsh Prison was opened in 1960 and operates as a Category C prison. It serves as a closed establishment, housing individuals who pose a lower risk of escape but still require a controlled environment due to the nature of their offenses.

Guys Marsh Prison is classified as a Category C prison, indicating that it provides a lower level of security than maximum-security facilities. It primarily holds individuals who do not require the highest level of security measures but are not yet ready for open conditions.

Guys Marsh Prison primarily accommodates adult male offenders. It has a capacity to house approximately 534 individuals, including remand prisoners, convicted prisoners, and those serving longer sentences.

Guys Marsh Prison provides a range of facilities and services to meet the needs of its inmates and support their rehabilitation. These include:
  • Accommodation: The prison consists of multiple residential units with individual cells or shared accommodation for inmates. The cells are equipped with basic amenities, including beds, personal storage, and sanitation facilities.
  • Education and Vocational Training: Guys Marsh Prison offers educational programs to help inmates improve their literacy, numeracy, and other skills. Vocational training opportunities are provided to enhance employment prospects upon release.
  • Workshops and Employment: Inmates have access to workshops where they can engage in various activities such as carpentry, painting, and other vocational programs. These activities aim to develop skills and potential employment options within the prison.
  • Healthcare: Guys Marsh Prison has an on-site healthcare unit staffed with medical professionals who offer primary healthcare services to prisoners. Mental health support and substance abuse programs are also available.
  • Sports and Physical Activities: The prison promotes physical fitness and well-being by providing access to sports facilities and organized activities. These activities aim to develop teamwork, discipline, and positive lifestyle choices.
  • Family Contact: The prison recognizes the importance of maintaining family relationships and offers opportunities for visits and contact with family members, subject to specific guidelines and regulations.
  • Chaplaincy Services: Guys Marsh Prison has chaplains representing different faiths who offer religious support and guidance to prisoners.
If you are due to go to Prison or currently have someone you know inside Prison, You may benefit from reading our comprehensive Prison Survival Guide: Click here to download
Contact Information
HMP Guys Marsh Prison
Shaftesbury,
Dorset,
SP7 0AH

Tel: 01747 856400

Website: HMP Guys Marsh Prison
Booking a visit to Guys Marsh Prison
How to book a visit to Guys Marsh Prison?

You can book your visit online:
www.gov.uk/prison-visits

You can also book your visit by telephone.

Booking line: 01747 856 586

The booking line is open:

Monday to Thursday: 1pm to 3pm
Friday: 11.30am to 1pm


Guys Marsh Prison Information

Visiting times at Guys Marsh Prison
You can visit the prison between Friday and Sunday at 1:30 to 3:45.

Guys marsh prison has lockers on site that you will be required to leave your belongings on entry to the prison. You can take upto £30 with you into the visit hall but you will not be allowed to take notes, only change. This is to stop money being taken back into the prison. There are baby changing facilities on site.

The prison itself is in quite a rural location, 2 miles from Shaftesbury. However its about 45 mins walk from Shaftesbury town. You will be best to get a taxi if getting a train at the nearest station which is Gillingham.

Best Place to book a taxi to the prison would be 01747 821000, 01747 855009 or 01747 822215

If driving to the prison, Use the B3091 to Sturminster newton road, its 2 miles from the town centre of Shaftesbury. Use the A30 Salisbury to Yeovil road, A350 to poole road. You can park at Guys Marsh Prison.
© PRISON INFO. All rights reserved.