Your Complete Guide to UK Prisons, Courts & Probation
Practical, honest information for anyone facing prison, supporting a loved one inside, or navigating the criminal justice system across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
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Prison Advice
Honest, detailed guides on prison life, visits, phone calls, showers and what to expect
ExploreUK Prisons
Find any prison in England, Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland with addresses and phone numbers
ExploreUK Courts
Crown courts, magistrates' courts and sheriff courts — locations, contact details and more
ExploreFacing court? Offences & Sentences
Find out what sentence you could face, whether you are likely to go to prison, and what to do next.
ExploreProbation Offices
Locate probation services and approved premises across the entire United Kingdom
ExplorePolice Stations
Find your local police station — addresses, phone numbers, areas covered and contact details across the UK
ExploreUS jails and prisons
Plain-English guides for people facing county jail or federal prison in the United States.
ExploreAbout the UK prison system
Understanding How It All Works
The UK prison system holds over 85,000 people across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It's a complex network of establishments — from high-security Category A prisons housing the most dangerous offenders, through to open Category D prisons where inmates are preparing for release. If someone you know is facing a prison sentence, or if you're simply trying to make sense of how things work, it can feel overwhelming.
That's why we built prisonandjails.com. We're not affiliated with the government or any private prison operator. We're an independent resource that brings together practical, accurate information in one place. You'll find details on every active prison in the UK, from HMP Belmarsh in south-east London to HMP Barlinnie in Glasgow — with addresses, phone numbers, capacity figures and honest descriptions of what each prison is like.
Beyond prison information, we cover the courts and probation services that make up the wider criminal justice system. Whether you need to find the address of a Crown Court, understand what happens at a magistrates' court, or locate your nearest probation office, it's all here.
Guides & information
Latest Advice
What's Prison Like in the UK?
An honest, no-nonsense look at what daily life in a UK prison actually involves — from the routine to the reality.
What Are Prison Showers Like in the UK?
Everything you need to know about showering in UK prisons — from privacy arrangements to practical tips.
How to Book a Prison Visit in the UK
Step-by-step guide to booking a prison visit in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
How Much Do Prison Phone Calls Cost in the UK?
A breakdown of current phone call costs in UK prisons, including how the system works and ways to keep costs down.
How to Find Someone in Prison in the UK
How to locate a prisoner in the UK using official services, with step-by-step instructions and alternative methods.
What to Expect at a Magistrates' Court in the UK
A straightforward guide to attending magistrates' court — what happens, who's there, and what to expect if you or someone you know has a court date.
Browse prisons
Well-Known UK Prisons
HMP Belmarsh
London, Greater London
HMP Belmarsh is a high-security Category A prison in Thamesmead, south-east London. It holds some of the UK's most high-profile prisoners and includes a significant remand population.
HMP Pentonville
London, Greater London
HMP Pentonville is a Category B local prison in Islington, north London. One of the capital's busiest prisons, it primarily serves local courts and holds remand prisoners.
HMP Wandsworth
London, Greater London
HMP Wandsworth is one of the largest prisons in Western Europe, operating as a Category B local prison in south-west London. It holds a mix of remand and sentenced prisoners.
HMP Dartmoor
Princetown, Devon
HMP Dartmoor is one of England's most iconic prisons, set on Dartmoor in Devon. The historic Category C prison focuses on training and resettlement.
HMP Manchester
Manchester, Greater Manchester
HMP Manchester, universally known as Strangeways, is a high-security Category A prison in central Manchester. It was extensively rebuilt after the 1990 riots.
HMP Wakefield
Wakefield, West Yorkshire
HMP Wakefield is a high-security Category A prison known as Monster Mansion due to the number of high-profile offenders it holds. It is one of the oldest prisons in the country.
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How many prisons are there in the UK?
There are currently around 133 active prisons across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. These range from high-security Category A establishments like HMP Belmarsh and HMP Wakefield, to open Category D prisons such as HMP Ford and HMP Leyhill. The prison estate is managed by HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), with some prisons operated by private companies like Serco, Sodexo and G4S.
How do I find someone in prison?
You can use the Prisoner Location Service run by HMPPS. You'll need to submit a request — either online or by post — with the person's full name and date of birth. It typically takes 5 to 10 working days to get a response. Bear in mind that some prisoners can choose not to be found, in which case HMPPS won't share their location.
Can I visit someone in prison?
Yes, but you'll need to be on the prisoner's approved visitor list first. The prisoner needs to submit your details, and you'll usually need a basic background check. Once approved, visits can be booked online via the GOV.UK prison visit booking service, or by phoning the prison directly. Always arrive at least 30 minutes early and bring valid photo ID.
What happens on someone's first day in prison?
When someone arrives at prison, they go through a reception process. Personal belongings are logged and stored, they're given prison clothing, and there's a health screening. Over the first few days there's a structured induction where they learn the daily routine, rules, how to access the canteen, phone calls, and any available support or education programmes.
Trusted sources
Official Resources & Helplines
Prison Visit Booking
Book a prison visit online via GOV.UK
Prisoner Location Service
Find out which prison someone is in
Prisoners' Families Helpline
Support for families — 0808 808 2003
0808 808 2003Citizens Advice — Prison
Free legal guidance on prison matters
HM Prison & Probation Service
Official HMPPS information and policies
Samaritans
24/7 emotional support — 116 123
116123Need Help Finding Information?
Whether you're trying to find a specific prison, need advice on booking visits, or want to understand how the probation system works — we've got you covered. All our information is free, accurate and regularly updated.