Portland 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 Portland.

Contact Portland 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:

To arrange an official visit you can email, [email protected].

The closest railway station is Weymouth. From there, you can take a bus to the Isle of Portland. There is also a taxi rank at the station.

To plan your journey by public transport:

Portland has a visitors car park, including several 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 also be sniffed by security dogs.

Portland has a strict dress code policy which means visitors should dress sensibly. You may be turned away if you are wearing items like vests, low-cut tops, high-cut shorts or dresses.

Refreshments are available to purchase in the canteen. We are a cashless prison, so purchases must be made by debit or credit card. Cash is no longer accepted.

There are strict controls on what you can take into Portland. 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. Abusive or threatening behaviour will not be tolerated and anyone who appears under the influence of drink or drugs will be turned away. If you break the rules, your visit could be cancelled and you could be banned from visiting again.