HMP Durham is a Category B local prison in the city centre, serving courts across County Durham and Teesside.
About HMP Durham
HMP Durham is a Category B male establishment situated in Durham, County Durham, within the North East region. Operated by HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), the prison has an operational capacity of approximately 956 and has been in operation since 1819.
Category B prisons hold those who don't require maximum security, but for whom escape still needs to be made very difficult. Many local prisons that serve courts fall into this category, holding both remand and sentenced prisoners.
How to Visit HMP Durham
If you want to visit someone at HMP Durham, you'll first need to be placed on the prisoner's approved visitor list. The prisoner themselves will need to submit your details — including your full name, date of birth, and address — for a basic security check. This process can take a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the prison.
Once you've been approved, you can book visits in one of two ways:
- Online: Use the GOV.UK prison visit booking service — it's free and available 24/7
- By phone: Call HMP Durham directly on 0191 332 3400 during working hours
On the day of your visit, make sure you arrive at least 30 minutes before your allocated time. You'll need to bring valid photo ID (passport, driving licence, or national identity card). There are restrictions on what you can bring into the prison — generally no phones, cameras, or electronic devices are allowed. Most prisons allow a small amount of cash for the vending machines in the visits hall.
Contacting HMP Durham
You can reach HMP Durham by phone on 0191 332 3400. Phone lines are typically open Monday to Friday during standard office hours. For written correspondence, the postal address is:
If you need to send money to someone at HMP Durham, the easiest method is through the GOV.UK Send Money to a Prisoner service. It's free and takes just a few minutes online.
Sending Items to Prisoners at Durham
Rules on sending items vary by prison, but generally you cannot send parcels directly to prisoners. Most prisons use an approved catalogue system where prisoners can order items using money in their prison account. Some establishments allow books to be sent via approved retailers such as Amazon or Blackwell's — but always check with the prison first by calling 0191 332 3400.
Phone Calls at HMP Durham
Prisoners at HMP Durham can make outgoing calls using the prison phone system (typically BT or a dedicated provider). They'll need credit on their phone account, which can be topped up by family and friends. Calls to UK landlines generally cost around 1p per minute, while mobile calls are more expensive. For more detail on costs, see our guide on how much prison phone calls cost.
Prisoners cannot receive incoming calls. All outgoing calls (except those to legal representatives) are recorded and may be monitored.
Frequently Asked Questions About HMP Durham
What category is HMP Durham?
HMP Durham is classified as a Category B prison. Category B prisons hold those who don't require maximum security, but for whom escape still needs to be made very difficult. Many local prisons that serve courts fall into this category, holding both remand and sentenced prisoners.
What is the capacity of HMP Durham?
The prison has an operational capacity of approximately 956 prisoners. This number represents the certified normal accommodation plus any additional temporary beds. Actual population levels can fluctuate and sometimes exceed capacity.
How do I contact HMP Durham?
You can call HMP Durham on 0191 332 3400 during weekday working hours. For written correspondence, address letters to the prisoner's full name and prison number at Old Elvet, Durham, Durham, DH1 3HU.
How do I book a visit to HMP Durham?
First, you need to be on the prisoner's approved visitor list. Once approved, book online at gov.uk/prison-visits or call 0191 332 3400. For more detailed information, see our guide on how to book a prison visit.
Who runs HMP Durham?
HMP Durham is operated by HMPPS. HM Prison and Probation Service is an executive agency of the Ministry of Justice, responsible for running most prisons in England and Wales.