Visiting a relative in prison can be extremely traumatic and confusing, especially for a child or young person.
This can involve a whole range of mixed emotions including sadness, fear, anxiety, anger, shame and embarrassment. These feelings are all very common and understandable, but can sometimes be difficult to cope with without expert support, advice and guidance.
As well as providing a reassuring welcome at our visitors’ centres, we offer a range of services for families.
The Ormiston Families team is based in the visitors’ centre at HMP Bedford to the left of the prison on St Loyes Street. We provide support, information and a personal welcome to help visitors access available services.
All visitors to HMP Bedford must book their visit in advance. Visits can be booked online here, or by calling the visits booking line on 01234 373196 or completing a booking form for your next visit whilst you are there.
Remember to bring ID with you!
Visitors’ Centre
HMP Bedford
St Loves Street
Bedford MK40 1HG
You can get to HMP Bedford Visitors’ Centre by car or public transport.
There is disabled access to the centre and the prison. Please inform staff of any additional needs prior to arrival. You can contact the visitors’ centre on 01234 373219 or hmpbedford@ormistonfamilies.org.uk.
By car
There is no parking at the prison. The nearest car park is at Allhallows, a two-minute walk away. The cheapest car park is in Queen Street, a five-minute walk.
By public transport
Train: trains from London St Pancras arrive at Bedford railway station. There are taxis at the station or it is a 15-minute walk.
Bus: there are regular bus services to Bedford bus station. The bus station is about 100 yards from the prison.
Local taxis: 01234 328888 or 01234 346666.
What am I allowed to bring with me on visits?
You will need to bring ID. Acceptable forms of ID for adults are: passport, driving licence, EC ID card, senior citizen public transport pass or citizen card.
If you cannot provide one of the above then you will need TWO different items from the following list:
The prison does not accept letters as a form of ID including police, benefits, solicitor, etc. Student ID cards are also not an acceptable form of ID.
Visitors who are under 18 years old need to bring either a birth certificate, red health book or a passport for ID.
Please note:
What happens when I arrive at the Visitors’ Centre?
When you arrive at HMP Bedford, you will need to check in with Ormiston Families’ staff in the visitors’ centre. We will give you a friendly welcome and talk you through what to expect.
Once checked in you will be given a coloured number card and ask to wait until you are called. When you are called, you will swap the coloured card for a white card and make your way to the gate area. All mobile phones and unauthorised articles must be left in our secure lockers.
Once inside the gate area, you will be asked again if you are carrying any unauthorised items. Before you are allowed through, a member of staff will search you. A sniffer dog will be there too. Once they know that you have not got anything unauthorised with you, you will be given your table number. You can then enter the visits hall and go to the table with the number on that you have been given.
What’s it like inside the visits hall?
Everyone is very friendly and helpful. There is a snack bar providing hot and cold drinks and a variety of hot food, snacks and sweets. There is also a play area where children can spend time with Ormiston Families’ play workers. Activities are provided and the children can dip in and out of the area – but no food is allowed.
Please remember that your children are your responsibility at all times inside the prison and the visitors centre.
What if I feel worried about a prisoner?
Ormiston Families’ staff understand that prison can be a very difficult time, for both prisoners and their families. If you have any concerns about a prisoner at HMP Bedford, feel free to contact the Safer Custody team on 01234 373000 or speak to a member of staff at the visitors’ centre.
The Ormiston Families team is based in a bright and welcoming visitors’ centre just outside the perimeter walls of the prison. We provide support, information and a personal welcome to help visitors access the available services.
All visitors to HMP Chelmsford must book their visit in advance. Visits can be booked online here or by calling the visits booking line on 01245 552265 or 01245 552240. This line is open Monday to Friday 08:15 – 11:00 and 12:30 – 15:30. There is no booking line service on Bank Holidays.
You cannot arrive later than 14:55 on afternoon visits and 09:55 morning visits as you will NOT be permitted entry.
Remember to bring ID with you!
Visitors’ Centre
HMP Chelmsford
200 Springfield Road
Chelmsford
CM2 6LQ
You can get to HMP Chelmsford’s Visitors’ Centre by car or public transport.
There is disabled access to the centre and the prison. Please inform staff of any additional needs prior to arrival. You can contact the visitors’ centre on 01245 552452 or hmpchelmsford@ormistonfamilies.org.uk.
By car
There are two disabled parking bays available outside the prison entrance for visitors. These can only be used by visitors who have an official Blue Badge disabled parking permit.
For other visitors, the nearest public car park is Riverside Ice and Leisure on Victoria Road, a five-minute walk from the prison.
By public transport
Train: Direct trains from Liverpool Street arrive at Chelmsford train station. There are taxis at the station or it is a 15-minute walk.
Walk: 15-minute walk from the railway station, follow the signposts.
Bus: you can catch a number 54 or 56 to and from the prison to Chelmsford railway station.
Local taxis: Fairway 01245 355 555 Happicabs 01245 443 443 Taxi Bus 01245 350 350.
What am I allowed to bring with me on visits?
You will need to bring ID. Acceptable forms of ID for adults are: passport, driving licence, EC ID card, senior citizen public transport pass or citizen card.
If you cannot provide one of the above then you will need TWO different items from the following list:
The prison does not accept letters as a form of ID including police, benefits, solicitor, etc. Student ID cards are also not an acceptable form of ID.
You are allowed to bring £20 per Adult (without Children) and £30 per adult (with children) IN COINS ONLY you can change money at the tea bar in the visitors centre.
Visitors Dress Code: All visitors must be appropriately dressed, the visits hall is a family friendly environment. It is not acceptable for visitors to show excessive flesh. There is to be no ripped clothing (ripped jeans). Skirts/dresses/shorts should be just above the knee or longer (no miniskirts or very short shorts). Upper garments should not be low cut and have no thin straps, males not to wear vest tops. No football tops/sports kits. No hooded tops or camouflaged clothing. Please note that you can only wear wedding or engagement rings and small studs inside the prison.
Please note:
What happens when I arrive at the Visitors’ Centre?
When you arrive at HMP Chelmsford, you will need to check in with our staff in the visitors’ centre, which is at the end of the main car park. Here you will be greeted by one of our volunteers, who will explain the procedure. Visitor centre staff will check your ID and sign you in for your visit.
Once checked in you can wait in the visitors’ centre until your number is called. Then you can make your way to the gate area.
All mobile phones and unauthorised items must be left in the visitors’ centre. There are secure lockers available for this with a £1 deposit.
Once inside the gate area, you will be asked again if you are carrying any unauthorised items. Before you are allowed through, a member of staff will search you. A sniffer dog will be there too. Once they know that you have not got anything unauthorised with you, you can enter the visits hall. You must then report to the Prison Officer at the desk.
What’s it like inside the visits hall?
Everyone is very friendly and helpful. There is a snacks bar providing hot and cold drinks and a variety of snacks and sweets. There is also a children’s play area, where activities are provided and the children can dip in and out of the area – but no food is allowed Although the area is staffed by volunteers, parents are responsible for their children at all times.
What if I feel worried about a prisoner?
Prison Service’ and Ormiston Families’ staff understand that prison can be a very difficult time, for both prisoners and their families. If you have any concerns about a prisoner at HMP Chelmsford, feel free to contact the Safer Custody team on 01245 552297. This is a confidential answer machine helpline for prisoners’ families and friends to make the prison aware of any concerns regarding bullying, intimidation, suicide or self-harm. When leaving a message be sure to give the name and prison number of the person you are concerned about. These messages are checked daily. Please note: if your concerns are urgent, please speak to staff in the visitor’s centre or call the main switchboard on 01245 552 000.
The Ormiston Families team is based at HMP Littlehey Visitors’ Centre. We provide support, information and a personal welcome to help visitors access available services.
All visitors to HMP Littlehey must book their visit in advance. Visits can be booked online here, or by calling 01480 335 650 if you have been given a visiting order number. The booking line is open from 9:00 – 11:30 and 12:00 – 16:30 everyday apart from Mondays.
The centre is open from 8.30 – 11:30 and 12:15 to 16:30 on visit days.
Visitors’ Centre
HMP Littlehey
Crow Spinney Lane
Perry
Huntingdon
Cambs
PE28 0SR
You can get to HMP Littlehey’s Visitors’ Centre by car or train.
There is disabled access to the centre and the prison. Please inform staff of any additional needs prior to arrival. You can contact the visitors’ centre on 01480 335136 or hmplittlehey@ormistonfamilies.org.uk.
By car
There are two disabled parking bays available outside the prison entrance for visitors. These can only be used by visitors who have an official Blue Badge disabled parking permit.
By public transport
Train: trains from London Kings Cross arrive at Huntingdon railway station. Each weekday afternoon, there is a subsidised mini bus form Huntingdon bus and train station costing £7 per adult. Each weekday morning, we will provide a subsidised taxi service from Huntingdon train station. You will need to be pre-book this 48 hours in advance. You will be asked to pay the £7 fee when you book in at the centre. A receipt will be provided. The taxi at Huntingdon will be ‘Steve’s Taxis’. It will be waiting at the exit of Platform 3 and the driver will have a record of your name. Please note, it may be necessary for you to share with other visitors.
Please ring the Ormiston Families team on 01480 335136 for times of our subsidised bus and taxi service.
What am I allowed to bring with me on visits?
You will need to bring ID. Acceptable forms of ID for adults are: passport, driving licence, EC ID card, senior citizen public transport pass or citizen card.
If you cannot provide one of the above then you will need TWO different items from the following list:
The prison does not accept letters as a form of ID including police, benefits, solicitor, etc. Student ID cards are also not an acceptable form of ID.
Visitors who are under 18 years old need to bring either a birth certificate, red health book or a passport for ID.
Please note:
How should I dress for visits to the Visitors’ Centre?
Please do not wear football, team or blue striped shirts. Females should not wear revealing clothing or entrance may be denied. Ripped jeans are also banned.
What happens when I arrive at the Visitors’ Centre?
When you arrive at HMP Littlehey, you will need to check in with Ormiston Families’ staff in the visitors’ centre. We will give you a friendly welcome and talk you through what to expect.
Once checked in you will be given a coloured number card. When that number is called, you can swap the coloured card for a white card and make your way to the prison. All mobile phones and unauthorised items must be left in our secure lockers.
Once inside the prison there are stairs to the visits hall. A stair lift is available for people who cannot use the stairs, but needs to be booked in advance. Before you are allowed to enter the visits hall, you will be asked again if you are carrying any unauthorised items. A member of staff will search you. A sniffer dog will be there too. Once they know that you have not got anything unauthorised with you, you will be given your table number. You can then enter the visits hall and go to the table with the number on that you have been given.
What’s it like inside the visits hall?
Everyone is very friendly and helpful. There is a snack bar providing hot and cold drinks and a variety of hot food, snacks and sweets. There is also a play area where children can spend time with Ormiston Families’ play workers. Activities are provided and the children can dip in and out of the area – but no food is allowed.
Please remember that your children are your responsibility at all times inside the prison and the visitors centre.
What if I feel worried about a prisoner?
Prison Service’ and Ormiston Families’ staff understand that prison can be a very difficult time, for both prisoners and their families. If you have any concerns about a prisoner at HMP Littlehey, feel free to contact the Safer Custody team on 01480 335209 or speak to a member of staff at the visitors’ centre.
The Ormiston Families team is based at HMP Whitemoor Visitors’ Centre. We provide support, information and a personal welcome to help visitors access available services.
All visitors to HMP Whitemoor must book their visit in advance. Visits can be booked online here or by calling 01354 602 800. This booking line is open 10:00 – 11:00 and 14:00 – 15:00 Monday to Friday.
The visitors’ centre opens from 12:15.
Remember to bring ID!
Visitors’ Centre
HMP Whitemoor
Longhill Road
March
Cambridgeshire
PE15 0PR
You can get to the visitors’ centre by car or public transport.
You can contact the visitors’ centre on 01354 602 478 or hmpwhitemoor@ormistonfamilies.org.uk.
By car
The visitors’ car park is situated opposite the main entrance.
By public transport
Train: March railway station is approximately 1½ miles from Whitemoor. The nearest mainline station is Peterborough, with frequent connections to March. Taxis are available from March railway station.
Bus: the main bus station at Peterborough has frequent connections to March. A bus also drops off at the prison.
What am I allowed to bring with me on visits?
You will need to bring ID. Acceptable forms of ID for adults are: passport, driving licence, EC ID card, senior citizen public transport pass or citizen card.
If you cannot provide one of the above then you will need TWO different items from the following list:
The prison does not accept letters as a form of ID including police, benefits, solicitor, etc. Student ID cards are also not an acceptable form of ID.
Visitors who are under 18 years old need to bring either a birth certificate, red health book or a passport for ID.
Please note:
What happens when I arrive at the Visitors’ Centre?
When you arrive at HMP Whitemoor, you will need to check in with Ormiston Families’ staff in the visitors’ centre. We will give you a friendly welcome and talk you through what to expect.
Once checked in you will be called after 1.15 to enrolments where they will check ID and take a photo and thumbprint. When the prison are ready you will be sent over in small groups for the searching process. All mobile phones and unauthorised articles must be left in our secure lockers.
Once inside the gate area, you will be asked again if you are carrying any unauthorised items. Before you are allowed through, a member of staff will search you. A sniffer dog will be there too. Once they know that you have not got anything unauthorised with you, you will be allowed across to the visits hall and given a table number.
What’s it like inside the visits hall?
Everyone is very friendly and helpful. There is a snack bar providing hot and cold drinks and a variety of snacks and sweets. There is also a play area for the children.
Please remember that your children are your responsibility at all times inside the prison and the visitors centre.
What if I feel worried about a prisoner?
Ormiston Families’ staff understand that prison can be a very difficult time, for both prisoners and their families. If you have any concerns about a prisoner at HMP Bedford, feel free to contact the Safer Custody team on 0800 496 2849 or speak to a member of staff at the visitors’ centre.
The Ormiston Families team is based at HMP Hollesley Bay. We provide support, information and a personal welcome to help visitors access available services.
All visitors to HMP Hollesley Bay must book their visit in advance. Visits can be booked online here, or by calling the visits booking line on 01394 412 400.
Remember to bring ID!
Visitors’ Centre
HMP Hollesley Bay
Hollesley Bay Colony
Rectory Road, Hollesley
Woodbridge, Suffolk
IP12 3JW
You can get to HMP Hollesley Bay’s Visitors’ Centre by car, bus or train.
By public transport
Train: Ipswich is the nearest main line station. It is 17 miles from Hollesley Bay. You can catch connecting trains to Melton Station or Woodbridge Station from Ipswich.
Bus: Ipswich is the nearest main line station. It is 17 miles from Hollesley Bay. You can catch
What am I allowed to bring with me on visits?
You will need to bring ID. Acceptable forms of ID for adults are: passport, driving licence, EC ID card, senior citizen public transport pass or citizen card.
If you cannot provide one of the above then you will need TWO different items from the following list:
The prison does not accept letters as a form of ID including police, benefits, solicitor, etc. Student ID cards are also not an acceptable form of ID.
Visitors who are under 18 years old need to bring either a birth certificate, red health book or a passport for ID.
Please note:
How should I dress for visits to the Visitors’ Centre?
Please do not wear football, team or blue striped shirts. Females should not wear revealing clothing or entrance may be denied. Ripped jeans are also banned.
What happens when I arrive at the Visitors’ Centre?
When you arrive at HMP Hollesley Bay, you will need to check in with Ormiston Families’ staff in the visitors’ centre. We will give you a friendly welcome and talk you through what to expect.
Once checked in you will be given a coloured number card. When that number is called, you can swap the coloured card for a white card and make your way to the prison. All mobile phones and unauthorised items must be left in our secure lockers.
Once inside the prison there are stairs to the visits hall. A stair lift is available for people who cannot use the stairs, but needs to be booked in advance. Before you are allowed to enter the visits hall, you will be asked again if you are carrying any unauthorised items. A member of staff will search you. A sniffer dog will be there too. Once they know that you have not got anything unauthorised with you, you will be given your table number. You can then enter the visits hall and go to the table with the number on that you have been given.
What’s it like inside the visits hall?
Everyone is very friendly and helpful. There is a snack bar providing hot and cold drinks and a variety of hot food, snacks and sweets. There is also a play area where children can spend time with Ormiston Families’ play workers. Activities are provided and the children can dip in and out of the area – but no food is allowed.
Please remember that your children are your responsibility at all times inside the prison and the visitors centre.
What if I feel worried about a prisoner?
Prison Service’ and Ormiston Families’ staff understand that prison can be a very difficult time, for both prisoners and their families. If you have any concerns about a prisoner at HMP Littlehey, feel free to contact the Safer Custody team on 01234 373000 or speak to a member of staff at the visitors’ centre.
Our services in HMP Lincoln are delivered on behalf of our operational partners, The Lincolnshire Action Trust.
The team is based in the FIRST (Family Information and Release Support Team) centre to the left of the main prison gates. The Visitors’ Centre is then located to the left of the FIRST Centre. The team provides support, information and guidance to visitors and family members of prisoners.
All visitors to HMP Lincoln must book their visit in advance. Visits can be booked online here or by calling 01522 663 172. This booking line is open 09:30 – 12:00 Monday to Friday.
For 14:00 visits please arrive for booking in at 13:30 and for 09:00 visits please arrive for booking in at 08:30.
Please be advised that prisoners on the basic IEP level will have shorter visits as detailed below.
Convicted prisoners: visits start at 10:00am for morning visits and at 3:00pm for afternoon visits.
Unconvicted prisoners: visits start at 10:30am for morning visits and 3:30pm for afternoon visits.
Remember to bring ID!
The First Centre
HMP Lincoln
Greetwell Road
Lincoln
LN3 4BD
You can get to the visitors’ centre by car or public transport.
There is disabled access to the centre and the prison. Please inform staff of any additional needs prior to arrival. You can request a disabled parking space if you have a blue badge at the time of booking.
The FIRST centre phone number: 01522 663 355.
HMP Lincoln main phone line: 01522 663 000
By car
There is a visitors’ car park is behind the prison. Please go down the road to the left of the prison (Greetwell Lane) and the visitors’ car park is on the right. You will need change for the parking meter.
By public transport
Train: there are trains to Lincoln Central. There are taxis at the station, or it is a 30-minute walk uphill.
Bus: the bus station is located on Tentercroft Street which is a five-minute walk from the train station. Bus number 4 stops at LIncoln County Hospital, which is opposite the prison.
Taxi: Direct cabs: 01522 567567, Discount cabs: 01522 800800, Handsome cabs: 01522 545352
What am I allowed to bring with me on visits?
You will need to bring ID. Acceptable forms of ID for adults are: passport, driving licence, EC ID card, senior citizen public transport pass or citizen card.
If you cannot provide one of the above then you will need TWO different items from the following list:
The prison does not accept letters as a form of ID including police, benefits, solicitor, etc. Student ID cards are also not an acceptable form of ID.
Visitors who are under 18 years old need to bring either a birth certificate, red health book or a passport for ID.
Please note:
What happens when I arrive at the Visitors’ Centre?
When you arrive at HMP Lincoln, please go to the Visitors’ Centre and speak to a member of Lincolnshire Actino Trust team (you will know who they are because they will be wearing purple tops). We will give you a friendly welcome and talk you through what to expect.
Booking in with your ID is done in alphabetical order. You book in using the surname of the prisoner you are visiting. We start each day’s list with a new letter, so, if on Tuesday we book in visitors to prisonors whose surnames starts with ‘A’ first, on Wednesday we will book in visitors to prisoners whose surnames start with the letter ‘B’ first. If you want to find out what letter of the alphabet we will begin with on the day of your visit, contact the FIRST team.
Once booked in you will be given a number. When this number is called you will be taken through to the visits hall. All mobile phones and unauthorised articles must be left in the secure lockers in the visitors’ centre.
Before you are allowed through to the visits hall, you will be asked again if you are carrying any unauthorised items. A member of staff will search you. A sniffer dog will be there too. Once they know that you have not got anything unauthorised with you, you will be taken into the visits hall and directed to your table
What’s it like inside the visits hall?
Everyone is very friendly and helpful. There is a snack bar providing hot and cold drinks and a variety of snacks and sweets.
There is also a play area where children can spend time with Ormiston Families’ play workers. Activities are provided and the children can dip in and out of the area – but no food is allowed.
Please remember that your children are your responsibility at all times inside the prison and the visitors centre.
What if I feel worried about a prisoner?
Ormiston Families’ staff understand that prison can be a very difficult time, for both prisoners and their families. If you have any concerns about a prisoner at HMP Bedford, feel free to contact the Safer Custody team on 01522 663000 or speak to a member of staff at the visitors’ centre or in the visits hall.
Our services in HMP North Sea Camp are delivered on behalf of our operational partners, The Lincolnshire Action Trust.
All visitors to HMP North Sea Camp must book their visit in advance. Visits can be booked online here or by calling 01205 769368. This booking line is open 09:30 – 11:30 and 14:30 – 15:30 Monday to Friday.
Remember to bring ID!
HMP North Sea Camp
Croppers Lane
Freiston
Boston, Lincs
PE22 0QX
You can get to the visitors’ centre by car or public transport.
There is disabled access to the centre and the prison. Please inform staff of any additional needs prior to arrival. HMP North Sea Camp main phone number: 01205 769 300. Lincolnshire Action Trust phone number: 01522 806 611
By car
HMP North Sea Camp is situated midway between Boston and Skegness. Take the A52 from Boston towards Skegness, after approximately 5-6 miles turn right into the village of Freiston and follow this road for approximately 2.5 miles. At a shart left-hand bend, follow the road marked Croppers Lane off to the right. The prison is approximately 1.5 miles down this road. There is a car park at the entrance to the prison. Parking is free. There is an indoor visitors waiting area next to the car park.
By public transport
Train: the nearest railway station is Boston but transport will be needed to get to the prison
Taxi: Acorn Taxis: 01205 358258, Swift Taxis: 01205 311123
What am I allowed to bring with me on visits?
You will need to bring ID. Acceptable forms of ID for adults are: passport, driving licence, EC ID card, senior citizen public transport pass or citizen card.
If you cannot provide one of the above then you will need TWO different items from the following list:
The prison does not accept letters as a form of ID including police, benefits, solicitor, etc. Student ID cards are also not an acceptable form of ID.
Visitors who are under 18 years old need to bring either a birth certificate, red health book or a passport for ID.
Please note:
What happens when I arrive at the Visitors’ Centre?
When you arrive at HMP North Sea Camkp, please report to the Gatelodge. We will give you a friendly welcome and talk you through what to expect.
What’s it like inside the visits hall?
Everyone is very friendly and helpful. There is a snack bar providing hot and cold drinks and a variety of snacks and sweets.
There is also a play area where children can spend time with Ormiston Families’ play workers. Activities are provided and the children can dip in and out of the area – but no food is allowed.
Please remember that your children are your responsibility at all times inside the prison and the visitors centre.
What if I feel worried about a prisoner?
Lincolnshire Action Trust staff understand that prison can be a very difficult time, for both prisoners and their families. If you have any concerns about a prisoner at HMP North Sea Camp, feel free to contact the Safer Custody team on 01522 663000 or speak to a member of staff at the visitors’ centre or in the visits hall.
The Ormiston Families team is based at HMP Stocken . We provide support, information and a personal welcome to help visitors access available services.
All visitors to HMP Stocken must book their visit in advance. Visits can be booked online here or by calling 01780 795 331.
Remember to bring ID!
HMP Stocken
Stocken Hall Road
Stretton
Oakham, Rutland
LE15 7RD
You can get to the visitors’ centre by car or public transport.
By car
HMP Stocken is situated near the village of Stretton off the A1, exit onto the B668. North and Southbound on the A1 exit B668 – Stocken is signposted from this point. On arrival at the prison, please use the main car park.
By public transport
Train: the nearest railway stations are Stamford, Grantham and Oakham. You will need to take a taxi from the station to the prison.
Taxi: Oakham: Berridge Taxis – 01572 756088, Young’s Taxis – 01572 813053 , Kevin’s Taxis – 01572 720136.
Stamford: Associated Silver Cabs – 01780 482800, Star Line Cabs – 01780 763245.
What am I allowed to bring with me on visits?
You will need to bring ID. Acceptable forms of ID for adults are: passport, driving licence, EC ID card, senior citizen public transport pass or citizen card.
If you cannot provide one of the above then you will need TWO different items from the following list:
The prison does not accept letters as a form of ID including police, benefits, solicitor, etc. Student ID cards are also not an acceptable form of ID.
Visitors who are under 18 years old need to bring either a birth certificate, red health book or a passport for ID.
Please note:
What happens when I arrive at the Visitors’ Centre?
When you arrive you will need to check in with staff at the visitors’ centre. We will give you a friendly welcome and talk you through what to expect.
Once checked in, you will be given a coloured number card and when called, you can swap that card for a white card and make your way to the gate area. All mobile phones and unauthorised items must be left in our secure lockers.
Once inside the gate area you will be asked again if you are carrying any unauthorised items. Before you are allowed through, a member of staff will search you. A sniffer dog will be there too. Once they know that you have not got anything unauthorised with you, you will be given your table number. You can then enter the visits hall and go to the table with the number on that you have been given.
What’s it like inside the visits hall?
Everyone is very friendly and helpful. There is a snack bar providing hot and cold drinks and a variety of snacks and sweets.
There is also a play area where children can spend time with Ormiston Families’ play workers. Activities are provided and the children can dip in and out of the area – but no food is allowed.
Please remember that your children are your responsibility at all times inside the prison and the visitors centre.
What if I feel worried about a prisoner?
Ormiston Families’ staff understand that prison can be a very difficult time, for both prisoners and their families. If you have any concerns about a prisoner at HMP Stocken, feel free to contact the Safer Custody team onxxx or speak to a member of staff at the visitors’ centre or in the visits hall.
The Ormiston Families team is based at HMP Warren Hill. We provide support, information and a personal welcome to help visitors access available services.
All visitors to HMP Warren Hill must book their visit in advance. Visits can be booked online here or by calling 01394 633 633. This booking line is open Monday – Thursday 09:00 – 12:00.
Remember to bring ID!
HMP Warren Hill
Grove Road
Hollesley
Woodbridge, Suffolk
IP12 3BD
HMP Warren Hill main phone line: 01394 633 400
By public transport
Train: Ipswich is the nearest main line station. It is 17 miles from Warren Hill. Catch connecting trains to Melton Station from Ipswich.
Bus: bus routes are very limited and there is no service on a Sunday.
What am I allowed to bring with me on visits?
You will need to bring ID. Acceptable forms of ID for adults are: passport, driving licence, EC ID card, senior citizen public transport pass or citizen card.
If you cannot provide one of the above then you will need TWO different items from the following list:
The prison does not accept letters as a form of ID including police, benefits, solicitor, etc. Student ID cards are also not an acceptable form of ID.
Visitors who are under 18 years old need to bring either a birth certificate, red health book or a passport for ID.
Please note:
What happens when I arrive at the Visitors’ Centre?
When you arrive you will need to check in with staff at the visitors’ centre. We will give you a friendly welcome and talk you through what to expect.
Once checked in, you will be given a coloured number card and when called, you can swap that card for a white card and make your way to the gate area. All mobile phones and unauthorised items must be left in our secure lockers.
Once inside the gate area you will be asked again if you are carrying any unauthorised items. Before you are allowed through, a member of staff will search you. A sniffer dog will be there too. Once they know that you have not got anything unauthorised with you, you will be given your table number. You can then enter the visits hall and go to the table with the number on that you have been given.
What’s it like inside the visits hall?
Everyone is very friendly and helpful. There is a snack bar providing hot and cold drinks and a variety of snacks and sweets.
There is also a play area where children can spend time with Ormiston Families’ play workers. Activities are provided and the children can dip in and out of the area – but no food is allowed.
Please remember that your children are your responsibility at all times inside the prison and the visitors centre.
What if I feel worried about a prisoner?
Ormiston Families’ staff understand that prison can be a very difficult time, for both prisoners and their families. If you have any concerns about a prisoner at HMP Warren Hill, feel free to contact the Safer Custody team on xxx or speak to a member of staff at the visitors’ centre or in the visits hall.
The Ormiston Families team is based at HMP Highpoint. We provide support, information and a personal welcome to help visitors access available services.
All visitors to HMP Warren Hill must book their visit in advance. Visits can be booked online here or by calling 01440 743134.
Remember to bring ID!
HMP Highpoint (South)
South4 HMP
Highpoint, Stradishall
Newmarket, Suffolk
CB8 9YG
There is disabled access to the centre and the prison. Please inform staff of any additional needs prior to arrival. You can contact the visitors’ centre on 01440 743272.
By public transport
Train: the nearest railway station is in Newmarket. Connecting Communities can assist with travel to HMP Highpoint, collecting you from Newmarket railway station. The service operates Monday to Saturday but must be pre-booked. Booking line open Monday to Friday 08:00 until 16:00. Call 01638 664304.
What am I allowed to bring with me on visits?
You will need to bring ID. Acceptable forms of ID for adults are: passport, driving licence, EC ID card, senior citizen public transport pass or citizen card.
If you cannot provide one of the above then you will need TWO different items from the following list:
The prison does not accept letters as a form of ID including police, benefits, solicitor, etc. Student ID cards are also not an acceptable form of ID.
Visitors who are under 18 years old need to bring either a birth certificate, red health book or a passport for ID.
Please note:
What happens when I arrive at the Visitors’ Centre?
When you arrive at HMP Highpoint, you will need to check in with Ormiston Families’ staff in the visitors’ centre. We will give you a friendly welcome and talk you through what to expect.
Once checked in you will be given a number card and ask to wait until you are called. When you are called, you will come to the desk with your ID then be issued with a locker key.
Once inside the gate area, you will be asked again if you are carrying any unauthorised items. Before you are allowed through, a member of staff will search you. A sniffer dog will be there too. Once they know that you have not got anything unauthorised with you, you will be given your table number. You can then enter the visits hall and go to the table with the number on that you have been given.
What’s it like inside the visits hall?
Everyone is very friendly and helpful. There is a snack bar providing hot and cold drinks and a variety of snacks and sweets.
There is also a play area where children can spend time with Ormiston Families’ play workers. Activities are provided and the children can dip in and out of the area – but no food is allowed.
Please remember that your children are your responsibility at all times inside the prison and the visitors centre.
What if I feel worried about a prisoner?
Ormiston Families’ staff understand that prison can be a very difficult time, for both prisoners and their families. If you have any concerns about a prisoner at HMP Warren Hill, feel free to contact the Safer Custody team on xxx or speak to a member of staff at the visitors’ centre or in the visits hall.