Prison Guide is a free, independent information resource for family members, friends, and legal professionals who need reliable guidance on the UK prison system. We cover visiting, communication, sending money, understanding the system, and navigating the challenges that come with having a loved one in custody.

Who We Are

Prison Guide was founded by Daniel Hockey. Daniel has spent years navigating the UK prison system’s processes alongside families in difficult circumstances, and created Prison Guide to provide the plain-English, accurate information that was simply not available in one place.

Our editorial team draws on that direct experience — from families who have been through the remand and sentencing process, to practitioners who have dealt with HMPPS directly. We do not write from a distance. We cover these topics because we understand why they matter.

What We Cover

Our guides cover the practical questions that matter most to families:

• Booking a prison visit — how to get approved, how to book, what to bring, and what to expect
• Sending letters — address formats, what you can and cannot include, how long delivery takes
• Emailing a prisoner — using Email a Prisoner and Prison Voicemail services
• Sending money — the official Prison Banking system and how to top up a prisoner’s account
• Sending photos — rules, sizes, and online services for printing and posting
• HDC (Home Detention Curfew) — eligibility criteria, application process, electronic tag rules
• UK prison list — all UK prisons by region, with type and location

Our Editorial Standards

Every guide on Prison Guide is written to be accurate, up to date, and genuinely useful. We follow these principles:

• We cite official sources. Our information is based on HMPPS policy documents, GOV.UK guidance, and official prison service communications — not secondary summaries.
• We update regularly. Prison rules and procedures change. We review our content when policies change and update guides to reflect current rules.
• We do not sensationalise. Our audience is families in difficult circumstances. We write with clarity and care, not for traffic or shock value.
• We do not accept payment to promote services. When we mention services like Email a Prisoner or Prison Voicemail, it is because they are genuinely useful — not because we have been paid to feature them.

Accuracy and Limitations

We do our best to ensure all information on Prison Guide is accurate and current. However, prison rules can vary between establishments, and policies can change without notice. Always confirm specific rules directly with the prison before sending items or making arrangements.

Prison Guide information should be used as general guidance, not as a substitute for official advice from the prison or a legal professional. If you spot an error or out-of-date information, please use the contact page to let us know. We take accuracy seriously and will correct errors promptly.

Get in Touch

For corrections, feedback, or general enquiries, visit our contact page. We read all messages and respond to factual corrections as a priority.