Book a Prison Visit to Manchester Prison

Book a Prison Visit to Manchester Prison

Manchester Prison, originally known as HMP Strangeways, is located about a mile north of Manchester’s city center. It was opened in June 1868 and underwent a substantial rebuild following a major disturbance in 1990. The prison houses Category A and lower risk Category B prisoners. It features two major radial blocks (A-E and G-K) with specific units catering to general population, drug and alcohol recovery, vulnerable prisoners, and healthcare inpatients​​.

Booking Information for Manchester Prison Visits

To visit someone in Manchester Prison, you must be on their visitor list and book your visit between 2 weeks and 24 hours in advance. You also need to have the required ID with you. There may be limits on the number of visits a prisoner can have, and this should be checked with the prison.

Booking Options:

  • Family and Friends Visits: Book by calling 0161 817 5655 (Monday to Thursday, 8am to 4pm; Friday, 8am to 12pm) or email [email protected].
  • Legal Visits: Book by calling the same number during the same hours.

Visiting times to Manchester Prison

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Visiting Times:

  • Family and Friends Visits: Monday, Tuesday: 2:30pm to 4pm; Wednesday and Thursday: afternoons (closed visits only); Saturday: 10am to 11:30am and 2:30pm to 4pm; Sunday: 2:30pm to 4pm.
  • Legal Visits: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 10:30am and 10:30am to 11:30am​​.

Directions to Manchester Prison

Public Transport:

  • Train: Closest station is Manchester Victoria, about a 5-minute walk from the prison. Manchester Piccadilly station is 10 minutes away by tram or taxi.
  • Bus: Several local buses pass close to the prison.

Parking:

There is no parking at the prison, but public car parks are available in the city center​​.

Entering Manchester Prison

Visitors aged 16 or older must prove their identity. All visitors, including children, will be pat-down searched and may be sniffed by security dogs. Visitors must adhere to a family-friendly dress code, and there are strict controls on what can be taken into the prison. Each adult visitor can take in a maximum of £20 in coins for use in the visiting hall​​.

HMP Manchester Prison Visiting Information

Visiting Facilities

  • Visitors Centre: Run by Partners of Prisoners (POPS), providing a place to relax, buy refreshments, and get advice and support from the staff. A play area for children is available.
  • Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm; Saturday, 8am to 5pm; Sunday, midday to 5pm​​.

Family Visits

Manchester Prison provides 12 Parental Contact (PCV) visits a year in a relaxed and less restrictive manner than general social visits, with various family supportive activities provided​​.

Keeping in Touch with Inmates

  • Secure Video Calls: Booked by prisoners only, using the Prison Video app.
  • Phone Calls: Prisoners have phones in their cells to call people on their approved list.
  • Email: Use the Email a Prisoner service.
  • Letters: Can be sent at any time, including the person’s name and prisoner number on the envelope​​.

Sending Money and Gifts

  • Money: Use the online service to send money to inmates.
  • Gifts: Only books can be sent directly or ordered from approved retailers​​.

Life at Manchester Prison

Manchester Prison is dedicated to providing a safe and educational environment for serious offenders. It offers a variety of educational courses and work opportunities, and there are facilities for sports and religious support​​.

Contact Details for Manchester Prison

  • Governor: Rob Knight
  • Telephone: 0161 817 5600
  • Fax: 0161 817 5601

Address

HMP Manchester, 1 Southall Street, Manchester, M60 9AH​​.

Emergency Contacts

  • Immediate Concerns: Call 0161 817 5600.
  • Safer Custody Helpline: 0161 817 5958 for non-immediate concerns about an inmate’s welfare​​.

Please verify all details with official sources for accuracy and legal compliance. This information is provided for guidance and should be confirmed with the prison directly.