Book a Prison Visit to Portland Prison
Book a Prison Visit to Portland Prison and Booking Information, Parking, and Visiting Times
Portland Prison, formally known as Portland Prison and Young Offender Institution, is a correctional facility located on the Isle of Portland, Dorset, England. This institution serves as both a prison and a young offender institution (YOI) for men aged 18 and over. Portland Prison has a rich history, having been originally constructed in 1848. It underwent significant expansion in 1910 following the acquisition of adjacent land from the Admiralty. The prison primarily houses adult males of category C and young offenders, accepting young offenders with sentences of 10 years or less and adults serving sentences of 8 years or under. The operational capacity of Portland Prison stands at 530 inmates.
Booking and Planning Your Visit to Portland Prison
To book a visit to Portland Prison, it is mandatory to be listed on the inmate’s visitor list. All visits must be booked at least three working days in advance. Visitors are required to carry the necessary identification during their visit. At least one visitor must be 18 years or older for each visit. It’s important to note that there might be limitations on the number of visits a prisoner can have, and this information can be checked with the prison directly.
Visiting times to Portland prison
Visiting Times for Portland Prison
For family and friends:
- Visiting hours are on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
For legal and professional visits:
- Visiting hours are on Thursday from 1:45 PM to 3:45 PM.
Additionally, visiting hours are also available from 1:45 PM to 4:00 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Getting to Portland Prison
Portland Prison can be reached via public transport with the closest railway station being Weymouth. From there, visitors can take a bus to the Isle of Portland, or opt for a taxi available at the station. The prison provides a visitor car park, including spaces for Blue Badge holders. For planning your journey, National Rail enquiries and Traveline for local bus times are useful resources.
HMP Portland Visiting Information
Visitor Regulations at Portland Prison
All visitors aged 16 and older must provide valid identification before entering the prison. There is a strict dress code policy, and visitors are expected to dress sensibly. Items like vests, low-cut tops, high-cut shorts, or dresses may result in being turned away. Visitors are subjected to pat-down searches, including children, and may be sniffed by security dogs. Refreshments are available in the canteen, and visitors are allowed to bring in a maximum of £20, half of which should be in change. Please note that there are strict controls on what can be taken into the prison, and most personal items will need to be left in a locker or with security. Visitors are briefed about the rules by an officer at the start of their visit.
Visiting Facilities at Portland Prison
Portland Prison has a visitor’s centre equipped with toilets and a baby changing area, which opens at 12:30 PM on visiting days. However, the play area and vending machines are not accessible during visits.
Special Visiting Days
Family days are conducted monthly, typically on a Monday, and are planned and arranged through the prisoners themselves.
Contact and Address Information for Portland Prison
For any inquiries or further information, you can contact:
- Governor: Pete Lewis
- Telephone (24 hours): 01305 715 600
- Fax: 01305 715 601
The address for Portland Prison is:
- HMP/YOI Portland
- 104 The Grove
- Easton
- Portland
- Dorset
- DT5 1DL
Follow Portland Prison on Twitter for updates and more information.
Help with the Cost of Your Visit
If you are receiving certain benefits or have an NHS health certificate, you might be eligible for assistance with the costs of your visit, including travel to Portland, accommodation, and meals.
Please verify these details with the official sources for accuracy and legal compliance. For more detailed information, visit prisonguide.co.uk and gov.uk.