HMP Oakwood is the largest prison in the UK by capacity, privately operated by G4S near Wolverhampton. It is a modern Category C training prison.
About HMP Oakwood
HMP Oakwood is a Category C male establishment situated in Wolverhampton, West Midlands, within the West Midlands region. Operated by G4S, the prison has an operational capacity of approximately 2,106 and has been in operation since 2012.
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 Oakwood
If you want to visit someone at HMP Oakwood, 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 Oakwood directly on 01onal 716000 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 Oakwood
You can reach HMP Oakwood by phone on 01onal 716000. 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 Oakwood, 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 Oakwood
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 01onal 716000.
Phone Calls at HMP Oakwood
Prisoners at HMP Oakwood 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 Oakwood
What category is HMP Oakwood?
HMP Oakwood 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 Oakwood?
The prison has an operational capacity of approximately 2,106 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 Oakwood?
You can call HMP Oakwood on 01onal 716000 during weekday working hours. For written correspondence, address letters to the prisoner's full name and prison number at Oaken Lane, Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, WV10 7QD.
How do I book a visit to HMP Oakwood?
First, you need to be on the prisoner's approved visitor list. Once approved, book online at gov.uk/prison-visits or call 01onal 716000. For more detailed information, see our guide on how to book a prison visit.
Who runs HMP Oakwood?
HMP Oakwood is operated by G4S. G4S is a private company contracted by the Ministry of Justice to manage certain prisons and provide custodial services.