HMP Northumberland is a privately operated Category C prison near Morpeth, run by Sodexo. It was formed from the merger of the former Acklington and Castington prisons.
About HMP Northumberland
HMP Northumberland is a Category C male establishment situated in Morpeth, Northumberland, within the North East region. Operated by Sodexo, the prison has an operational capacity of approximately 1,348 and has been in operation since 2014.
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 Northumberland
If you want to visit someone at HMP Northumberland, 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 Northumberland directly on 01670 762100 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 Northumberland
You can reach HMP Northumberland by phone on 01670 762100. 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 Northumberland, 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 Northumberland
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 01670 762100.
Phone Calls at HMP Northumberland
Prisoners at HMP Northumberland 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 Northumberland
What category is HMP Northumberland?
HMP Northumberland is classified as a Category C 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 Northumberland?
The prison has an operational capacity of approximately 1,348 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 Northumberland?
You can call HMP Northumberland on 01670 762100 during weekday working hours. For written correspondence, address letters to the prisoner's full name and prison number at Acklington, Morpeth, Morpeth, NE65 9XG.
How do I book a visit to HMP Northumberland?
First, you need to be on the prisoner's approved visitor list. Once approved, book online at gov.uk/prison-visits or call 01670 762100. For more detailed information, see our guide on how to book a prison visit.
Who runs HMP Northumberland?
HMP Northumberland is operated by Sodexo. Sodexo is a private company contracted by the Ministry of Justice to manage certain prisons and provide custodial services.