Winchester Prison Information

Winchester Prison
Winchester Prison, officially known as HMP Winchester, is a Category B/C men's prison located in Winchester, Hampshire, England. Managed by Her Majesty's Prison and Probation Service, Winchester Prison serves as an important correctional facility within the UK's penal system. Here is important information about Winchester Prison:

Winchester Prison has a long history dating back to the 19th century. It was originally established as a county jail in 1846 and later converted into a prison. The institution operates as a dual-status prison, housing both Category B and Category C prisoners. Category B prisoners are those considered to pose a significant risk of escape, while Category C prisoners are classified as those who do not require maximum security but still need secure custody.

Winchester Prison operates as a Category B/C prison, indicating that it accommodates both higher and lower-risk offenders. The facility employs necessary security measures to ensure the safety of staff, inmates, and the public.

Winchester Prison houses adult male offenders who have been convicted of various offenses requiring secure custody. The prison caters to individuals with a wide range of offenses, including those who have committed serious crimes as well as those serving shorter sentences for non-violent offenses.

Winchester 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 for inmates. The cells are equipped with basic amenities, including beds, personal storage, and sanitation facilities.
  • Education and Vocational Training: Winchester Prison places emphasis on education and vocational training as part of the rehabilitation process. Inmates have access to educational programs, including basic education, literacy, numeracy, and vocational courses, to enhance their skills and employability prospects for successful reintegration into society.
  • Work Opportunities: Inmates at Winchester 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: Winchester 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: Winchester Prison offers pre-release planning and support to help inmates prepare for their eventual release. This includes assistance with accommodation, employment, and access to community-based support services.
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Contact Information
HMP Winchester,
Romsey Road,
Winchester,
Hampshire,
SO22 5DF

Tel: 01962 723 000

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

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

You can send urgent enquires and cancellations only to our social visits email address: socialvisits.winchester@justice.gov.uk

Booking line: 0345 223 5514

Booking line opening times: Monday to Friday 9am to 12pm and 1:30pm to 4pm (except public holidays) Find out about call charges

Visiting times:
  • Tuesday to Thursday: 2:30pm to 4pm
  • Saturday and Sunday: 2:15pm to 3:15pm and 3:45pm to 4:45pm
There are no visits on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and Easter Good Friday.

Winchester Prison Information

How to get to Winchester Prison:
Winchester Prison is about half a mile from Winchester railway station. It is opposite the Royal Hampshire County Hospital. There are regular buses from the station or you can take a taxi.

To plan your journey by public transport:

https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
https://www.traveline.info/

There is only parking for blue badge holders at the prison which is very limited, we do not offer any other parking on site so If you come by car, you will need to park in one of the city centre car parks or use the Park & Ride. Buses run every 15 minutes and stop almost outside the prison. Please note there is no park & ride bus service on Sundays or public/bank holidays – Please check with the service provider.

For all visits to Winchester Prison, 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

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