Downview Prison and Young Offender Institution

At least one visitor must be 18 or older at every visit.

There may be a limit to the number of visits a prisoner can have. You can check this with Downview.

Contact Downview if you have any questions about visiting.

If you get certain benefits or have an NHS health certificate, you might be able to get help with the costs of your visit, including:

You can book your visit online or by telephone.

The booking line is open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 3pm
Find out about call charges

Visit requests must be made at least 3 days in advance.

The closest railway stations are Belmont and Sutton.

To plan your journey by public transport:

There is a visitors car park, including spaces for Blue Badge holders.

All visitors, aged 16 or older must prove their identity before entering the prison. Read the list of acceptable forms of ID when visiting a prison.

All visitors will need to be given a pat-down search, including children. You may be sniffed by a security dog. You will also have to go through a metal scanner unless you have a doctor’s note.

Refreshments are available during your visit.

There are strict controls on what you can take into the prison. You will have to leave most of the things you have with you in a locker or with security. This includes pushchairs and car seats.

You will be told the rules by an officer at the start of your visit. If you break the rules, your visit could be cancelled and you could be banned from visiting again.

There is a visitors centre run by the Prison Advice and Care Trust charity. Family and friends can relax, buy refreshments and get advice and support from the staff.

It is open from 12:30pm to 5:30pm on visiting days.

Downview holds regular family days which give prisoners more time to spend with family and loved ones in a relaxed setting. Contact Downview for details.