hmp highdown visits

High Down Prison

Tel: 0207 147 6300 – High Down Lane, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5PJ

HMP High Down is a local category B prison , holding adult males. It’s located in Sutton, in Surrey; and has a capacity of 1,103. The prison opened in 1992, and was constructed on the site of a former mental hospital. Since its opening, the establishment has undergone several extensions, including two new residential blocks, a new gym and an education centre.

High Down prison is one of six prisons in the UK to pilot the new 2016 prison reform plans set out by the government and said to be the biggest shake up since the Victorian times.

Our blog post looks into what this means for the inmates and staff alike at HMP High Down.

If you want to find out how to reach HMP High Down, please view the map on this page.

Tel: 0207 147 6300

Operational capacity: 1103

High Down Lane, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5PJ

The Prison Phone service has been reducing the cost of inmates calls from HMP High Down since 2013. We are the only telecoms provider who has the sole intention of aiding in the rehabilitation process by helping inmates maintain strong family ties.

Send me High Down prison details via FREE SMS

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Here’s some facts about High Down Prison

HMP High Down is a category B prison in Sutton, Surrey. Built in 1998, the prison can hold 1,163 men at a time. It is located next to Downview prison adjacent to the southern border of Belmont, Greater London.

House block 1 holds the unemployed prisoners who were not involved in purposeful activity. House block 2 is the first night and induction unit. House block 3 holds the full-time employed inmates. House block 4 is the substance misuse unit. House block 5 also holds full-time workers. House block 6 holds the vulnerable prisoners.

Prison officer James Cookson was arrested for four years after persuading an inmate to beat up a sex offender in 2017.

To view the latest inspection report from the HMIP, click here .

Visits are separate for HB6 prisoners and the rest of the prison. HB6 visits are 09:00 – 11:00 Tue-Thu, and 14:00 – 16:00 Sat-Sun. HB1-5 visits are 14:00 – 16:00 Tue-Thu and Sat-Sun.

HMP High Down is built on the site of Banstead Lunatic Asylum.

One of HMP High Down’s most notable ex-inmates is Gary Glitter.

The prison has a female dress code which forbids wearing underwired bras or thongs because so many of the inmates are thought to be living as women .

Prison Phone offers phone tariffs that reduce the costs of calls from this prison by up to 75%! This enables prisoners to get the support and love that they are missing from home, while reducing costs for the inmate. Find out more below.

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Blog Government Digital Service

https://gds.blog.gov.uk/2014/09/15/you-can-now-book-a-prison-visit-online/

You can now book a prison visit online

Booking a prison visit should be simple and straightforward. Until now that was far from the case. Booking a visit required both prisoner and visitor to jump through hoops: paper forms and drawn-out phone calls. And if the visit date turned out to be impossible, they had to start all over again.

Now you can book a visit online . It takes about 5 minutes. Before, picking an available date was pot luck. Now there's a date-picker that lets you select 3 possible slots instead of 1. It’s a straight-forward service with user-needs at its heart but, if you get stuck, you can call the prison's visits booking line and someone will help you with the booking.

Here's a very short film we've made about it:

By making it easier to book visits, prisoners will see more of their friends and family. Evidence suggests this will help their rehabilitation. Transformation isn't just about websites.

The service was built by the Ministry of Justice, with a combined team from the National Offender Management Service, HM Prison Service and MoJ Digital Services.

For more of the story behind this service, read Mike Bracken's account of his trip to HMP Rochester or check out the service’s transformation page .

Join the conversation on Twitter , and don't forget to sign up for email alerts .

Sharing and comments

Share this page, 20 comments.

Comment by Pauline posted on 23 August 2015

How do you find out the prisoners number??? so you can go ahead with online booking of a visit?

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 24 August 2015

You can find a prisoner using this service: https://www.gov.uk/find-prisoner However it will be the prisoner's responsibility to get in touch with you to let you know their prison number etc.

Comment by linda posted on 15 August 2015

This service does not appear to work this is day 2 trying to use it

Comment by Olivia posted on 30 July 2015

Hi, If a visit is booked and someone cant make it, is it possible to change the name of one of the people to someone else?

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 30 July 2015

It's best to contact the prison directly if this happens. You can find contact details here: http://www.justice.gov.uk/contacts/prison-finder

Thanks, Louise

Comment by Paige posted on 28 July 2015

Hi my partner was sent to nottingham today, I was on his previous list 4 months ago for a visit. Will that still be on the system all will it have to he put through again if so how long does it take to be approved for a visit? Thanks Paige.

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 29 July 2015

You might want to get in touch with the prison first before booking a visit. You can find the contact details of the prison here: http://www.justice.gov.uk/contacts/prison-finder

Comment by Debs posted on 27 July 2015

Hello Is there a list of prisons where online booking can't be used?

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 28 July 2015

According to the information on this page: https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits , you can arrange a visit to any prison in England and Wales through this service. If you're visiting someone in Northern Ireland or Scotland you'll need to contact the prison directly.

This link also lists the type of visits that are not covered by the online service: https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits so you need to get in touch with the prison directly.

Hope that's helpful.

Comment by c.steer posted on 26 July 2015

So how do I find the booking form to fill in I am new to computers

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 27 July 2015

Here's the link to the booking form: https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits

You'll need this information to complete the form:

prisoner number prisoner’s date of birth dates of birth for all visitors coming with you make sure the person you’re visiting has added you to their visitor list

Hope that's useful.

Comment by Shawnaa posted on 09 May 2015

i have a visit booked which i did online but i do not have a visiting order woll the prison let me in?

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 11 May 2015

Your identity will be checked on arrival to make sure you’re on the visitor list.

Comment by jessicca posted on 27 January 2015

What happens after you book the visit and its confirmed by email do you need the visiting order ?

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 29 January 2015

The Visiting Order (VO) number is generated by the booking system, it is included in your confirmation email and you will need this to change or cancel a booking.

However, if you're visiting a prison the guidance is that you only need your ID, not the VO number. If when you visit the prison you are asked for the VO number you should report this via the Contact Us link on the Prison Visits Booking form.

I hope that helps.

Comment by Ilysa Mcnally posted on 18 November 2014

How late in advance can I book e.g. book a visit today (Tuesday) for the Sunday coming???

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 19 November 2014

Hi Ilysa. Thanks for your question. A visit needs to be booked 3 working days in advance. So in this case, the visit request would have to be no later than Tuesday to allow for a visit on Sunday.

Comment by carole posted on 23 October 2014

How far in advance can you book visits

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 23 October 2014

Hi Carole. You can book up to 28 days in advance. Thanks for your question.

Comment by kimberly posted on 16 August 2015

does anyone know how to cancel a visit online?

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Hmp high down.

Inside Time Reports
13th December 2014
Category B , Greater London , Male Local , Male YOI , Prison Visit

Prison information

Address: High Down Lane Sutton SM2 5PJ Switchboard: 020 7147 6300 Managed by: HMPPS Region: London Category: B Link to: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/high-down-prison

Description

High Down is a men’s prison and young offender institution (YOI) near Sutton in Surrey.

Visit Booking: Online

Use this online service to book a social visit to a prisoner in England or Wales you need the:

prisoner number
prisoner’s date of birth
dates of birth for all visitors coming with you

The prisoner must add you to their visitor list before you can book a visit.

You’ll get an email confirming your visit. It takes 1 to 3 days.

ID: Every visit

Children’s Visits: Children are permitted on all visits (except Legal) and we have Children’s Days approx. 4 times per year

Acceptable forms of ID

Something missing or outdated?

If you have any information that you would like to be included or see anything that needs updating, contact Paul Sullivan at [email protected]

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HMP WINCHESTER

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Visiting the prison

Maintaining contact with family members or close friends is an important part of the rehabilitation process and helps to support our prisoners during their sentence. Our large, open-plan visits halls provide a relaxed atmosphere for both prisoners and their visitors. With refreshments available to purchase and play areas for younger children, we want to make your visiting experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

We understand that visiting a prison can be quite daunting, especially if it is your first visit, so we try to make your experience as positive as possible. We want you to enjoy your visit so we operate a zero tolerance for violence and aggressive behaviour to help us maintain a calm, friendly environment.

Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Prohibited items There are certain items that are not allowed in a prison environment. Please take the time to read and familiarise yourself with the list. View the prohibited items list .

We provide lockers for you to store personal belongings such as wallets, mobile phones and tobacco.

Smoke-free site HMP & YOI Bronzefield is a smoke free site. We therefore do not allow any tobacco, lighters, vapes or other smoking paraphernalia in the visits hall.

Visiting times and frequency

Details about visiting times allowed at HMP & YOI Bronzefield.

Learn more Close

Visit Times

From 19th June 2023

Remand prisoners can have hourly visits on all the days that we are open.

Sentenced prisoners can have 5 visits per month.

What to expect

Guidelines of what to expect when visiting HMP & YOI Bronzefield prison.

When visiting, make sure you bring photo ID with you and proof of your address , such as a utility bill (gas, electricity, water, council tax etc.) or a bank or building society statement. These must be less than three months old.

Accepted forms of photo ID are:

Driving licence (photo card)
Valid passport
Citizenship card
Blue Badge with photo

If you do not have photo ID you should bring either your birth certificate plus two utility bills or bank/building society statements. Or you can bring three utility bills/bank or building society statements – each must be from a different organisation.

Car parking

Visitors' parking is provided free of charge. If the visitors' car park is full, please use the overflow car park at the top of the drive. Please do not park along the drive as this can be a safety risk for cars and pedestrians.

Check-in to our visitors centre

When you arrive you will need to check-in to our visitors centre which is the small building on the right before you reach the prison. You will be welcomed by a member of our team who will check your name against the list of visitors and check your ID. Here you can wait until your visit time.

The Centre opens 45 minutes prior to the start of visits – please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the start of your visit.

There’s a soft play area for little ones and a small kiosk to get a drink. It’s best to use the toilet facilities here before you go into the visits hall.

You will be directed to the main prison building where our visits hall is based. Here you can hand in any property that you have brought with you for the person you are visiting.

Refreshments

We are pleased that visitors can now buy hot and cold snacks and drinks in the Vita Nova Visits Coffee Shop. Please remember card only payments.

You can use a locker to leave your personal belongings such as, such as keys, mobile phones, cigarettes, tobacco, lighters etc.

Within the Visits Hall there is a tea bar operated by the Vita Nova Visits Coffee Shop. Please remember card only payments. There are also toilet, baby changing and wash facilities available.

When it is time to go through for your visit, you will pass through an airport-style security.

Any bags will be passed through a scanner and you will walk through a metal detector.

You’ll also need to agree to a ‘level A’ rub down search. Official visitors are required to agree to a ‘level B’ rub down search.

If you refuse to be searched, you will not be allowed to enter the prison. Please be advised that we have a drug detecting machine which, if proven positive, will determine whether your visit continues and if it continues under closed conditions.

Once you’ve passed through security, you’ll then go through our airlock door system before entering the visits hall.

Types of visit

Details about the social (friends and family), Purple Visits and legal allowed at HMP & YOI Bronzefield.

Face to Face Legal Visits:

Monday to Friday – 09.00am to 11.00am in the Visits Hall

Booking email address – [email protected]

Virtual Legal Visits (Video Link):

Monday to Thursday – 08.00am to 18.00pm

Fridays – 08.00am to 17.00pm

Booking email address – [email protected]

Social Visits:

Social visits are booked by the prisoners using our Internal Pods system. Prisoners are shown how to use this on their induction (normally within the first 3 days). They need to register all their visitors details and then request a visit. This can take a few days. Unfortunately due to data protection we are unable to book any social visits for anyone calling in.

We have a Tea Bar in the Visits Hall where you can purchase hot drinks and snacks. Please be advised we can only accept payment via a credit card (cannot accept cash).

Please note that social visits are booked by the prisoner

Purple Visits (Virtual Visits) are also available from 09.00am to 18.00pm Monday to Thursdays and 09.00am to 17.00pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

If you would like to book one please download the application to your mobile device/tablet via the apple app store or google play and follow the instructions. Or visit https://www.purplevisits.com/

If you can only visit outside of these hours, please contact the Visits department and we will do our best to accommodate the visit.

Please download and complete a VideoLink Booking Form

please note: these departments will not be able to give out any prisoner information

How we collect and use your data

COLLECTION OF DATA

In order to facilitate your visit to one of our prisons and to ensure that we deliver appropriate levels of security and safety and prevent crime, for identification purposes we shall collect your name, date of birth, address, a biometric template of your fingerprint and a photograph. A series of reference points from a finger print are collected, allowing a unique identification pattern. We do not collect or hold actual fingerprints.

Our prisons operate CCTV and staff may wear Body Worn Video Recording Equipment. We do not collect biometric readings or photographs of children under 16, however with the use of CCTV, images may routinely be captured.

DATA SHARING

We will only share your information with a third party where there is a legal obligation to do so.

RIGHTS OF ACCESS, CORRECTION, ERASURE AND RESTRICTION

You have legal rights in connection with personal information. Under certain circumstances, by law you have the right to:

Request access to your personal information (commonly known as a “data subject access request”). This enables you to receive a copy of the personal information we hold about you and to check that we are lawfully processing it.
Request correction of the personal information that we hold about you. This enables you to have any incomplete or inaccurate information we hold about you corrected.
Request erasure of your personal information. This enables you to ask us to delete or remove personal information where there is no good reason for us continuing to process it. You also have the right to ask us to delete or remove your personal information where you have exercised your right to object to processing.
Object to processing of your personal information by us or on our behalf in certain situations.
Request the restriction of processing of your personal information. This enables you to ask us to suspend the processing of personal information about you, for example if you want us to establish its accuracy or the reason for processing it.

DATA RETENTION

We keep personal data in accordance with our clients’ and Sodexo’s retention procedures. These retention periods depend on the nature of the information (e.g. we apply different retention periods to different type of information such as CCTV and your visitor record), and may be subject to change.

If you have any questions or concerns about how long we retain your personal data, please contact the Data Protection Officer using the details below.

FURTHER ADVICE / GUIDANCE

To exercise your rights, you can contact us by writing to us at the following address: [email protected] or email the Global Data Protection Office at the following email address: [email protected] stating your surname, first name and the reason for your request. We will most likely ask you for additional information in order to identify you and to enable us to deal with your request

You also have the right to contact the Information Commissioner’s Office and file a complaint. ( https://ico.org.uk/concerns/ )

HMP & YOI Bronzefield Woodthorpe Road Ashford Middlesex TW15 3JZ

Tel : 01784 425690 Fax : 01784 425691

Get directions

See our Families and Significant Others Strategy

Ways to stay in touch... .

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Visiting the prison

Visit opportunities will be booked as per prisoners I.E.P regime, this will provide our prisoners a 2-hour time slot.

Visits will operate Wednesday to Sunday and can be booked as normal by residents via the Kiosk. Prisoners must book their visit 48 hours prior to the visit.

The booking times available are below:

Wednesday - Friday 1400 – 1600 Visits session

Saturday - Sunday Morning Session 0930 - 1130 Visits session

Saturday and Sunday Afternoon Session 1400 – 1600 Visits session

Who cannot have a visit? Symptomatic prisoners under isolation.

Refreshments are available in the Visits Hall. However, these refreshment’s must be purchased in advance in the Visitors Centre. You will be provided with a receipt, to take into the Visits Hall and can be exchanged for your purchased items, which will be delivered to your table by a Red Band prisoner.

Please be conscious there is limited stock available, so order your refreshments early to avoid disappointment.

Searching Searching during social visits will be in line with current guidance. Please be patient, courteous and understanding of our new ways of working. Staff at HMP Northumberland will do their very best to try to make the visit experience as enjoyable as it can be.

Visiting times

Details of HMP Northumberland visiting times.

Learn more Close

Visits will operate Wednesday to Sunday and can be booked as normal by prisoners via the Kiosk. The times are below:

Wednesday: 2pm - 4pm
Thursday: 2pm - 4pm
Friday: 2pm - 4pm
Saturday: 9:30am - 11:30am & 2pm - 4pm
Sunday: 9:30am - 11:30am & 2pm - 4pm

How to book a visit

Guidelines of how to book visits to Northumberland prison.

Prisoners must book their own visits using the wing kiosks, an electronic booking system. Prisoners must book the Date; Time Type of visit, and then inform visitors of this information.

Legal visits are booked by email : [email protected]

Before and during visits

What to expect and how to prepare for visiting the prison.

Social Visitors have the option to present one photographic ID document from List A.

Passports (which must contain proof of address, otherwise proof of address will still be required)
Identity cards from an EU or Europeans Economic Area (EEA) country
UK photocard driving licences
EU or EEA driving licence
NI Electoral identity cards
US passport card
Proof of age card recognised under PASS with a unique reference number (this includes the Citizen ID card)
Armed Forces identity card
UK biometric residence permit (BRP)

Should you be unable to present an ID document from List A, they you may present one ID from List B, supported by one document from List C.

Home Office travel document (convention travel document, stateless person's document, one-way document or certificate of travel)
Older person's bus pass
Freedom pass
Proof of age card recognised under the Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) without a unique reference number (please refer to List A where a unique reference number is present)
Birth or adoption certificate
Education certificate from a regulated and recognised educational institution (such as NVQ, SQA, GCSE, A level or degree certificate)
Rental or purchase agreement for a residential property (signed and dated)
Marriage or civil partnership certificate
Bank, Building Society or credit union current account card (on which the claimed identity is shown)

On your first visit, you will need this information to register on the electronic system which records your photo image and an image of their finger scan.

First time visitors should arrive 20 minutes prior to the first visit , to allow time to register. Once on the system, this will speed up future visits.

Children will not be photographed or have finger prints taken but ID will be required.

All visitors should expect to be searched when entering the prison.

Visits room security staff maintain a balance between security and support. Staff are trained to detect any attempts to pass contraband within the visits room and to challenge behaviour which contravenes normally accepted public decency standards .

Dress Code for Visitors

HMP Northumberland operates a family orientated visits policy. The majority of our visitors are accompanied by children and we want to foster a decent, safe and relaxed family environment for all our visitors.

The following items of clothing should not be worn:

× Hats, scarves or head coverings which are not worn on religious grounds

× Jackets or coats, hoodies or gloves

× Inappropriately damaged clothing

× Metal hair accessories

× Steel toe capped shoes/boots or cycle/motorcycle shoes

× Non-prescription glasses i.e. sunglasses

× See-through / revealing clothing

× Ripped Jeans

× Items of clothing that display offensive abusive or insulting words or gestures

× Mini or very short skirts/dresses unless worn with leggings

× Shorts which are shorter than mid thigh to knee length

× Visible or exposed underwear

× Smart watches

This list is not exhaustive.

It is up to prison staff to make decisions and judgements as to when clothing is inappropriate. When making these decisions, staff will always consider decency and diversity. You may be asked to adjust clothing or wear alternative clothing if available. As a last resort your visit may be cancelled if the dress code cannot be followed.

Security guidance and details about enforced behavioural standards for those visiting prisoners at HMP Northumberland.

Visitors undergo a number of security procedures before gaining entry to the visit room. This is to prevent escape and prevent the introduction of illicit items.
By concentrating on entry procedures, a more relaxed environment can be created within the visit room, enhancing the experience.
Visitors must provide their identity , provide biometric finger scans , undergo rub down and drug detection dog searches , submit items for X-ray and be checked with metal detector wand s. A future addition to this process is an online video which will provide insight into entering a prison through a child’s eye.

Types of visit

Legal Visits

Professional Visitors will be able to book a visit as per normal procedures via the establishments booking clerk.

Please be aware that legal visits will be booked to coincide with the allocated socail visits session for each House Block.

Legal / Official Visitors will book their visits via [email protected]

All visitors must provide identification at the Visits Entrance.

Assisted Prison Visits Scheme (APVS)

The Assisted Prison Visits Unit (APVU) provides financial support with the cost of travel to visit a relative, partner or escort a child to visit a loved one in prison. Some costs can also be claimed if overnight accommodation is required to attend a visit. Claimants must be over the age of 18 years, and receiving benefits such as Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance. Claims are now made quickly and easily online although it is possible to ask for telephone assistance with this or to request a paper application.

See Assisted Prison Visits for more information or to apply. https://www.gov.uk/help-with-prison-visits

Contact by email, letter or card

Information about emailing, sending cards or letters to and sent from a prisoner.

Emailing a prisoner

The prison subscribes to the scheme whereby members of the public can send emails via a secure third party.

These are then printed in the prison and handed to the prisoner as mail.

This facility is widely advertised within the prison and the visitors centre. Families can also send blank forms which residents can write on and be emailed back in response. Further to this, friends and family members are able to subscribe to this service via the internet.

Each prisoner is allowed to send unlimited letters, with one letter each week at the expense of the prison.

Following approval by a Unit Manager, more than one letter per week may be sent at the expense of Sodexo if justified by the prisoner’s circumstances.

Prisoners are provided with a pen, writing paper and an envelope.

Letters sent into the prison for prisoners will be photocopied and the prisoner will receive the photocopy, not the original, except R39 mail.

All cards that are sent in directly from families/friends will not be photocopied but placed into the prisoner’s stored property. If families and friends wish to send in cards, they must do so directly from either Moon Pig or Funky Pigeon . If we receive a Moon Pig or Funky Pigeon card from a family or friends address, it will be placed into the prisoners stored property.

Visitor centre facilities

Refreshments are available in the Visits Hall. However these refreshements must be purchased in advance in the Visitors Centre. You will be provided with a receipt, to take into the Visits Hall and can be exchanged for your purchased items, which will be delivered to your table by a Red Band prisoner.

Please be conscious there is limited stock available, so order your refreshments early to avoid dissapointment.

How we collect and use your data

COLLECTION OF DATA

DATA SHARING

We will only share your information with a third party where there is a legal obligation to do so.

RIGHTS OF ACCESS, CORRECTION, ERASURE AND RESTRICTION

You have legal rights in connection with personal information. Under certain circumstances, by law you have the right to:

Request access to your personal information (commonly known as a “data subject access request”). This enables you to receive a copy of the personal information we hold about you and to check that we are lawfully processing it.
Request correction of the personal information that we hold about you. This enables you to have any incomplete or inaccurate information we hold about you corrected.
Request erasure of your personal information. This enables you to ask us to delete or remove personal information where there is no good reason for us continuing to process it. You also have the right to ask us to delete or remove your personal information where you have exercised your right to object to processing.
Object to processing of your personal information by us or on our behalf in certain situations.
Request the restriction of processing of your personal information. This enables you to ask us to suspend the processing of personal information about you, for example if you want us to establish its accuracy or the reason for processing it.

DATA RETENTION

If you have any questions or concerns about how long we retain your personal data, please contact the Data Protection Officer using the details below.

FURTHER ADVICE / GUIDANCE

You also have the right to contact the Information Commissioner’s Office and file a complaint. ( https://ico.org.uk/concerns/ )

HMP Northumberland Morpeth Northumberland NE65 9XG

Get directions

HMP Highdown visit

Visited HMP Highdown on 21 February 2022 with the High Sheriff of Surrey, Julie Llewelyn. Although in Surrey, Highdown is regarded as a London prison by Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service. It was great therefore to join forces with Julie and to meet the Governor, Amy Frost and have a tour of the prison. It was also a great opportunity to meet staff and prisoners and learn about how the prison has coped with the various challenges of the last couple of years.

The prison is moving to become a category C prison focussing on resettlement and equipping prisoners for life after prison. The prison has an excellent education block and an emphasis on skills training and providing work on site in areas such as decorating, plumbing and rail construction. Formal qualifications can be obtained. All boosting chances of employment on release and helping rebuild lives.

The statistics show that without employment or housing successful rehabilitation is far less likely. In responses to the question could employers and prison Governors benefit from discussions leading to working together to help provide routes into employment, the Governor felt that help with this could be beneficial for all.

We visited a new wing designed to help men in the prison with drug addiction issues to detox and become clean. The aim is also to have an environment on the wing in which the opportunity to take more control is possible. Day one when we visited, but staff were positive about this new development and greater freedoms of assembly appreciated by the prisoners on the wing.

High Sheriff: [email protected]

Under Sheriff: [email protected]

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Crime, justice and law
Prisons and probation

Downview Prison and Young Offender Institution

Downview is a prison and young offender institution (YOI) in Sutton, Surrey, for women aged 18 and over.

Help us to improve this page. Give us your feedback in this 2-minute survey .

Book and plan your visit to Downview

To visit someone in Downview you must:

be on that person’s visitor list
book your visit in advance
have the the required ID with you when you go

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.

Help with the cost of your visit

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:

travel to Downview
somewhere to stay overnight

How to book family and friends visits

You can book your visit online or by telephone.

Telephone booking line: 0300 303 0633

Find out about call charges

The booking lines are open:

Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 12pm to 5pm

Tuesday and Thursday: 9am to 5pm

Visiting times:

Thursday: 2:15pm to 4:15pm
Saturday: 2:15pm to 4:15pm
Sunday: 2:15pm to 4:15pm

How to book legal and professional visits

Legal and professional visits can be booked by email at [email protected] .

The request for a visit must be made at least 3 days in advance.

You can also book by telephone.

Booking line: 0300 303 0633 Monday to Friday, 9:15am to 4pm Find out about call charges

Tuesday: 9am to 11am
Thursday: 9am to 11am

Getting to Downview

Find Downview on a map

The closest railway stations are Belmont and Sutton.

To plan your journey by public transport:

use Transport for London journey planner
use National Rail enquiries

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

Entering Downview

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.

Visiting facilities

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.

Family 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.

Keep in touch with someone at Downview

You may not be able to speak with someone at Downview during their first few days. This is because it can take time to approve who they can be in touch with.

Prisoners do not have phones in their cells so they will always need to call you rather than you call them.

Secure video calls

To have a secure video call with someone in this prison you need to:

Download the Prison Video app
Create an account
Register all visitors
Add the prisoner to your contact list.

How to book a secure video call

You can request a secure video call with someone in this prison via the Prison Video app.

You will receive a notification when your request has been accepted.

Phone calls

Prisoners can phone anyone named on their list of friends and family. This list is checked by security.

You can also exchange voicemails using the Prison Voicemail service .

Officers may listen to phone calls as a way of preventing crime and helping keep people safe.

You can send emails to someone in Downview using the Email a Prisoner service .

You might also be able to attach photos and receive replies, depending on the rules at Downview.

Include the person’s name and prisoner number on the envelope.

If you do not know their prisoner number, contact Downview .

All post apart from legal letters will be opened and checked by officers.

Send money and gifts

You can use the free and fast online service to send money to someone in prison .

You can no longer send money by bank transfer, cheque, postal order or send cash by post.

If you cannot use the online service, you may be able to apply for an exemption - for example if you:

are unable to use a computer, a smart phone or the internet
do not have a debit card

This will allow you to send money by post.

Gifts and parcels

Prisoners are given a list of approved items that can be sent to them as gifts. These can be ordered online from Amazon or Argos and sent directly to Downview or they can be sent from home.

There are limits on the number of parcels a prisoner can receive, which may vary by prisoner. Contact Downview for details.

Make sure to include the person’s name and prisoner number on the parcel.

All parcels will be opened and checked by officers.

Friends and families of prisoners are permitted to send books directly to their loved ones, or can order books from approved retailers, which can source and send the books on to prisoners.

For the full list of approved retailers, you can read the HMPPS Incentives Policy, Annex F .

Life at Downview

Downview is committed to providing a safe and educational environment where prisoners can learn new skills to help them on release.

Security and safeguarding

Every prisoner at Downview has a right to feel safe. The staff are responsible for their safeguarding and welfare at all times.

For further information about what to do when you are worried or concerned about someone in prison visit the Prisoners’ Families helpline website .

Arrival and first night

When someone first arrives at Downview, they will be able to contact a family member by phone. This could be quite late in the evening, depending on the time they arrive.

They will get to speak to someone who will check how they’re feeling and ask about any immediate health and wellbeing needs.

Each prisoner who arrives at Downview gets an induction that lasts about a week. They will meet professionals who will help them with:

health and wellbeing, including mental and sexual health
any substance misuse issues, including drugs and alcohol
personal development in custody and on release, including skills, education and training
other support (sometimes called ‘interventions’), such as managing difficult emotions

Everyone also finds out about property allowances, the rules, fire safety, and how things like calls and visits work.

They will be introduced to some of the other prisoners who will give support and guidance where needed. Help is also available for anyone who has difficulty speaking or understanding English.

Accommodation

Around 300 prisoners live at Downview. There are several wings serving different purposes. Each prisoners gets their own cell.

Facilities include a developed gym and astroturf football pitch.

Education and work

Prisoners at Downview can study or take workshops and training in a range of subjects including:

hairdressing

Courses are provided by Weston College.

Downview has partnerships with the London College of Fashion, Max Speilmann Academy (photo printing) and the Clink charity (catering) to give prisoners work experience and opportunities for employment on release.

Temporary release

Prisoners have the opportunity to gain work experience in the local community. This is known as release on temporary licence.

Support for family and friends

Find out about advice and helplines for family and friends .

Email [email protected] if you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a prisoner in Downview.

You can also contact Downview if you would prefer to speak to someone.

Concerns, problems and complaints

In an emergency.

Call 0208196 6300 if you think a prisoner is at immediate risk of harm. Ask for the Orderly Officer and explain that your concern is an emergency.

Problems and complaints

If you have any other problem contact Downview .

Inspection reports

HM Prison and Probation Service publishes action plans for Downview in response to independent inspections.

Contact Downview

Governor: Amy Dixon

Telephone (24 hours): 0208 196 6300 Safer Custody Hotline: 0208 196 6370 Fax: 020 8196 6301

Follow Downview on Twitter/X

HMP/YOI Downview Sutton Lane Sutton Surrey SM2 5PD

Opening hours updated for visits booking telephone line.

Updated Governor.

Updated visiting guidance based on 1 April COVID rule changes

Added link to new safer custody information under Security and safeguarding.

Updated visiting information: Testing for visitors aged 12 and over.

Added link to information about testing for physical contact at visits.

New visiting times and booking information added.

Prison moved into National Stage 3 framework and is now preparing to open visits for family, friends and significant others. We will update this page with specific visiting information as soon as possible.

Updated visit info

Updated visiting information in line with new local restriction tiers.

Updated visiting information in line with new national restrictions in England.

Updated: visiting times and visiting procedure changes during coronavirus.

Added confirmation of secure video calling availability at this prison.

updated survey link

Prison visits update.

Safer Custody Hotline added

First published.

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DoingTime, a guide to prison and probation

Visits and getting there, HMP Downview

Visits are held 3 day a week on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday between 2-4pm. To book a visit call 020 8196 6359 10:00-14:00 weekdays

The nearest station is Morden on the Northern Line or Sutton Station. Then take a #80 bus to the prison. Remember that buses and trains are “cashless” so you will need an oyster card or a contactless credit card.

From M25: Junction 8 follow A217 (Sutton) through Burgh Heath turn right onto Winkworth Road. At 2nd Roundabout turn left onto Sutton lane, road to prison situated approx. 1 mile on right.
From London: Cross Thames using Wandsworth Bridge, follow A214 southwards to Tooting Bec, turn right onto A24 westwards to Tooting Broadway and turn left onto A217 Mitcham Road going south. Follow A217 turn left onto Winkworth Road. At 2nd roundabout turn left onto Sutton Lane, road to prison situated approx., 1 mile on right.

Parking: Visitors car park situated on left past the prison (Downview is the first prison on the left)

Return to Downview

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Visiting the prison

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What to expect

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Refreshments

Types of visit

How we collect and use your data

See our Families and Significant Others Strategy

Visiting the prison

Visiting times

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Before and during visits

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Contact by email, letter or card

Emailing a prisoner

Visitor centre facilities

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Downview Prison and Young Offender Institution

Book and plan your visit to Downview

Help with the cost of your visit

How to book family and friends visits

How to book legal and professional visits

Getting to Downview

Entering Downview

Visiting facilities

Family days

Keep in touch with someone at Downview

Secure video calls

Phone calls

Send money and gifts

Gifts and parcels

Life at Downview

Security and safeguarding

Arrival and first night

Accommodation

Education and work

Temporary release

Support for family and friends

Concerns, problems and complaints

Problems and complaints

Inspection reports

Contact Downview

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Visits and getting there, HMP Downview

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