HMP Hollesley Bay is an open Category D prison near Woodbridge in Suffolk. It focuses on resettlement through community and farm-based work.
About HMP Hollesley Bay
HMP Hollesley Bay is a Category D male establishment situated in Woodbridge, Suffolk, within the East of England region. Operated by HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), the prison has an operational capacity of approximately 474 and has been in operation since 1938.
Category C establishments are training prisons. Inmates here cannot be trusted in open conditions, but are considered unlikely to make a determined escape attempt. These prisons typically offer education, vocational training, and rehabilitation programmes.
How to Visit HMP Hollesley Bay
If you want to visit someone at HMP Hollesley Bay, 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 Hollesley Bay directly on 01394 412400 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 Hollesley Bay
You can reach HMP Hollesley Bay by phone on 01394 412400. 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 Hollesley Bay, 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 Hollesley Bay
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 01394 412400.
Phone Calls at HMP Hollesley Bay
Prisoners at HMP Hollesley Bay 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 Hollesley Bay
What category is HMP Hollesley Bay?
HMP Hollesley Bay is classified as a Category D prison. Category C establishments are training prisons. Inmates here cannot be trusted in open conditions, but are considered unlikely to make a determined escape attempt.
What is the capacity of HMP Hollesley Bay?
The prison has an operational capacity of approximately 474 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 Hollesley Bay?
You can call HMP Hollesley Bay on 01394 412400 during weekday working hours. For written correspondence, address letters to the prisoner's full name and prison number at Hollesley, Woodbridge, Woodbridge, IP12 3JW.
How do I book a visit to HMP Hollesley Bay?
First, you need to be on the prisoner's approved visitor list. Once approved, book online at gov.uk/prison-visits or call 01394 412400. For more detailed information, see our guide on how to book a prison visit.
Who runs HMP Hollesley Bay?
HMP Hollesley Bay 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.