Pentonville Prison Information

Pentonville Prison, officially known as HMP Pentonville, is a Category B/C men's prison located in the Islington area of London, England. Managed by Her Majesty's Prison and Probation Service, Pentonville Prison serves as a significant correctional facility within the UK's prison system. Here is important information about Pentonville Prison:

Pentonville Prison was opened in 1842 and is one of the oldest operational prisons in England. It was originally designed as a model prison with separate wings for different categories of prisoners. Today, the prison operates as a Category B/C facility, accommodating individuals who have been convicted of various offenses requiring secure custody and rehabilitation.

Pentonville Prison is classified as a Category B/C prison, indicating a medium-to-high level of security. The prison implements robust security measures to ensure the safety of both staff and inmates.

Pentonville Prison primarily houses adult male offenders who have been assessed as suitable for Category B or C conditions. These inmates may have committed a range of offenses and are typically serving medium to long-term sentences. The prison focuses on providing secure custody, rehabilitation, and reintegration programs to support their successful return to society.

Pentonville Prison offers various facilities and services to support the welfare and rehabilitation of its inmates. These include:
  • Accommodation: The prison provides 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: Pentonville Prison places a strong emphasis on education and vocational training. Inmates have access to a range of educational programs, including basic education, literacy, numeracy, and accredited courses. Vocational training opportunities are also available to develop employable skills and enhance prospects for successful reintegration into society.
  • Work Opportunities: Inmates at Pentonville Prison have access to various work activities within the prison, such as maintenance, cleaning, kitchen, and other designated roles. These work activities aim to develop skills, instill discipline, and promote a sense of responsibility.
  • Healthcare: Pentonville Prison has an on-site healthcare unit staffed with medical professionals who provide primary healthcare services to prisoners. Mental health support, substance abuse programs, and specialized medical care are also available.
  • Family Contact: The prison recognizes the importance of maintaining family relationships and facilitates visits and contact with family members, subject to specific guidelines and regulations.
  • Resettlement Support: Pentonville Prison offers pre-release planning and support to help inmates prepare for their eventual release. This may include assistance with accommodation, employment, and access to community-based support services.
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 Pentonville,
Caledonian Rd,
London
N7 8TT

Tel: 020 7023 7100

Website: HMP Pentonville Prison
Booking a visit to Pentonville Prison
Visiting Times at Pentonville Prison

You can book your visit by telephone.

Booking line: 0300 060 6504

The booking line is open: Monday to Friday 9:15am to 4pm

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)

Pentonville Prison Information

Getting to Pentonville:
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:

https://tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey/
https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/

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

For all visits to Pentonville, visitors are required to bring photographic ID and proof of address (dated within the past 3 months). The only forms of photographic ID that will be accepted are:
  • Valid Passport
  • Valid Photographic
  • Driving Licence (full or provisional)
  • Citizen Card
  • Senior Citizens Bus Pass Travel Card (issued by Scottish Government)
The only forms of proof of address that will be accepted are:
  • Utility bill
  • Council tax bill
  • Benefit book
  • Bank statement
  • other letter from official source
© PRISON INFO. All rights reserved.