Book a Prison Visit to Swaleside Prison

Swaleside Prison, located in Eastchurch on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent, is a Category B men’s prison with a capacity of 1,112 inmates. Opened in 1988, it forms part of the Sheppey cluster, which includes Elmley and Standford Hill. Swaleside primarily houses long-term and life-sentenced prisoners. The prison offers various educational and vocational programs, aiming to rehabilitate inmates and reduce reoffending rates.

 

How to Book a Prison Visit to Swaleside Prison

Booking a prison visit to Swaleside Prison can be done online or via telephone. To book online, visit the official government website and provide the necessary details, including the name, date of birth, and prisoner number of the person you wish to visit. Alternatively, you can call the booking line at 0300 060 6604. The booking line operates Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Ensure you book your visit at least 48 hours in advance to secure your preferred date and time.

What Are the Visiting Times for Swaleside Prison?

Visiting times at Swaleside Prison are as follows:

  • Monday to Sunday: 14:00 – 16:00 Visitors must arrive at least 30 minutes before the visit starts to allow for security checks. If you are more than half an hour late, you may be denied entry.

Parking Information and Directions to the Prison

Swaleside Prison offers a free visitors’ car park. However, if you prefer public transport, the nearest railway station is Sheerness, from where you can take a taxi to the prison. Bus services to Eastchurch, about a mile from the prison, are available but infrequent. Arriva and Chalkwell Coach Hire & Tours operate services from Sheerness and Sittingbourne.

How to Book a Prison Visit to Swaleside Prison: What to Take and What to Expect

When booking a prison visit to Swaleside Prison, it is essential to be prepared and know what to expect. Visitors must bring two forms of identification, one of which must be a photo ID showing the current home address. Acceptable forms include a passport or driving licence. Each adult visitor can bring up to £20 in cash for refreshments.

Upon arrival, all visitors will go through a metal detector and have their bags and overcoats scanned by an x-ray machine. Visitors may also be subject to a rub-down search and routine drug detection dog screening. It is advisable to dress conservatively and avoid wearing revealing or provocative clothing.

What to Expect During the Visit

During the visit, you will have one hour in the visits hall. You will be required to store personal items in a locker, for which a £5 refundable deposit is required. It is important to follow all prison rules and regulations during the visit to ensure a smooth experience.

FAQs

  1. How do I book a prison visit to Swaleside Prison? You can book a visit online through the government website or by calling the booking line at 0300 060 6604.

  2. What are the visiting hours at Swaleside Prison? Visiting hours are from 14:00 to 16:00, Monday to Sunday.

  3. What should I bring to a visit at Swaleside Prison? Bring two forms of ID, one of which must be a photo ID with your current address. You can also bring up to £20 in cash for refreshments.

  4. Is there parking available at Swaleside Prison? Yes, there is a free visitors’ car park at the prison.

  5. What is the nearest train station to Swaleside Prison? The nearest railway station is Sheerness, from which you can take a taxi to the prison.

  6. Can I book a visit on the same day? No, visits must be booked at least 48 hours in advance.

  7. Are there any restrictions on what I can wear to a visit? Yes, visitors are advised to dress conservatively and avoid revealing or provocative clothing.

  8. How do I get to Swaleside Prison by bus? Bus services to Eastchurch are available but infrequent. Arriva and Chalkwell Coach Hire & Tours operate services from Sheerness and Sittingbourne.

  9. What happens during the visit at Swaleside Prison? Visitors will spend one hour in the visits hall. All visitors must pass through security checks and follow prison regulations.

  10. Can I send money to an inmate at Swaleside Prison? Yes, you can send money using the online service provided by the prison.

Summary and Conclusion

Booking a prison visit to Swaleside Prison requires careful planning and adherence to prison regulations. By following the guidelines provided, you can ensure a smooth and successful visit. For more information, visit the official government website.

You can visit our other prison pages such as Book a prison visit to Sudbury Prison

External Sources Used for Research

  1. GOV.UK – Swaleside Prison
  2. Doing Time – HMP Swaleside
  3. Prison Guide – Swaleside Prison
  4. Wikipedia – Swaleside Prison
  5. Prison Phone – Swaleside Prison