If you or someone you care about is facing a prison sentence, you'll naturally want to know what prison is actually like. There's no shortage of dramatised versions on television, but the reality is quite different — sometimes better, sometimes worse, depending on which establishment you end up in.
The Daily Routine Inside a UK Prison
Most prisons in England and Wales follow a fairly rigid daily timetable. You'll typically be unlocked between 7:30 and 8:00 in the morning for breakfast, which is usually collected the night before — cereal packs, milk, and maybe some toast. It's basic, but it keeps you going.
After breakfast, those with jobs or education placements head off to their allocated activities. If you're on an induction wing — which is where you'll spend your first week or so — you'll go through various assessments and briefings.
Association time, where you can socialise on the wing, usually happens in the evening for an hour or two. You'll be locked behind your door by around 8:00 PM in most establishments, though this varies.
What Are Prison Cells Like?
In most Category B local prisons, you'll likely share a cell with another person. The cells are small — roughly 6 feet by 10 feet in older Victorian prisons. You'll have a bunk bed, a small desk, a toilet (usually screened off with a curtain), and a television if you're on the basic or standard regime.
Newer prisons like HMP Five Wells or HMP Berwyn tend to have larger, single-occupancy rooms with better facilities. The condition really depends on the age and category of the prison.
Food and Canteen in Prison
Meals are served three times a day, though breakfast is often a pack collected the evening before. Lunch and dinner are served from a servery on the wing. You'll get a weekly menu with a few options — there's always a vegetarian choice and meals for specific dietary requirements.
The prison canteen (or "shop") lets you spend money sent in by family and friends. You can buy snacks, toiletries, tobacco or vapes, phone credit, and other essentials. Most prisons have a weekly canteen order.
Visits and Keeping in Touch
Visits are a lifeline for most prisoners. You're entitled to at least two visits per month on the standard regime, and more if you earn enhanced status. Visits typically last around two hours.
Phone calls can be made from wing phones, and many prisons now have in-cell telephony. You'll need to have numbers approved and added to your phone list. Calls are monitored and recorded.
What to Expect on Your First Day
Your first day inside is called reception. You'll be searched, given prison clothing (though many prisons now let you wear your own clothes), and issued basic supplies. You'll see a nurse and be asked about your health, including mental health and any substance use.
It's worth knowing that the first few days are often the hardest. The Listeners scheme — run by trained prisoners in partnership with the Samaritans — is available in most prisons if you need someone to talk to.
Safety and Violence in Prison
It would be dishonest not to mention that prisons can be volatile places. Violence does occur, particularly in overcrowded local prisons. That said, most people keep their heads down and get through their sentence without major incident.
Staff shortages have been a persistent issue, and this can affect how much time you spend locked in your cell. In some establishments, the regime is restricted, meaning less time out of cell than you'd ideally have.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will I spend locked in my cell each day?
This varies enormously between prisons. In well-run Category C training prisons, you might be out of your cell for 10 hours a day. In struggling local prisons, it could be as little as 2-3 hours. The prison inspectorate reports are a good source of current information.
Can I keep my own clothes in prison?
Most adult prisons now allow you to wear your own clothes, though this isn't universal. You'll usually be issued prison-standard clothing initially and can arrange for your own clothes to be brought in.
Do all prisons have televisions in cells?
Yes, most prisons offer in-cell television, though it's considered a privilege and can be removed under the Incentives and Earned Privileges scheme if you break rules.
Is there Wi-Fi or internet access in prison?
Prisoners don't have access to the open internet. Some prisons have secure in-cell laptops for education purposes, but general internet browsing isn't permitted.
What happens if I have a medical condition?
Every prison has healthcare services. You'll be assessed on arrival. If you have ongoing conditions, your medication should be continued, though there can sometimes be delays while prescriptions are verified.