Brixton Prison Telephone Number, Visits and Address
Last reviewed: July 2026
HMP Brixton is a category C training and resettlement prison in south London holding around 800 men, most of them working towards release. It is one of the oldest prisons in the country and one of the busiest for visits, so slots go quickly – the practical details below will save you time and a wasted journey.
Contact details at a glance
| What you need | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | HMP Brixton, Jebb Avenue, Brixton, London SW2 5XF |
| Switchboard | 020 8588 6000 |
| Social visits booking | 020 8678 1433 (Mon–Thu 1.15–4pm, Fri 9–11.45am) or online |
| Legal visits | [email protected] / 020 8588 6230 |
| Visitors’ centre (Pact) | [email protected] / 07749 389326 |
| Type of prison | Category C training and resettlement men’s prison, publicly run, approx. 800 places |
Visiting times at HMP Brixton
Social visits run Monday to Thursday in two sessions, 2.15pm–3.15pm and 4pm–5pm. There are no visits on Fridays. Saturdays have four sessions through the day, and Sundays have morning sessions for everyone plus an afternoon session (2.15pm–4.15pm) reserved for men on the Enhanced level of the incentives scheme. You can book up to 28 days in advance – do, because London prisons fill fast. Arrive at least 45 minutes before your session with photo ID for every adult.
How to book a visit
The GOV.UK online service is quickest: have the prisoner’s name, date of birth and prison number, plus dates of birth for everyone coming. The phone line (020 8678 1433) has limited hours, so online is usually less frustrating. As everywhere, the prisoner must add you to his approved visitor list first. Our booking a visit to Brixton prison page covers the process in detail, and our prison visiting rules guide covers ID, searches and the dress code.
What HMP Brixton is like in 2026
Brixton is a working prison with a strong training focus – it is home to The Clink, the well-known restaurant and bakery where prisoners train for catering qualifications. Families of men on Enhanced can even order Clink food online for their visit, which makes Brixton visits unusual in a good way. On the harder side, inspectors in 2024 found it severely overcrowded – HMIP has called it one of the most overcrowded category C prisons in England – with weak education and release planning, though a follow-up review in 2025 found drug-test positives falling sharply. Day-to-day life is covered on our what is Brixton prison like page.
The Pact-run visitors’ centre outside the gate is the first stop on visit days; Pact also runs a befriending service and extended family days in each school holiday, which the prisoner applies for from inside.
• Trying to visit on a Friday – there are no social visits that day.
• Booking the Sunday afternoon session when the prisoner is not on Enhanced – that slot is Enhanced-only.
• Leaving it late – slots can be booked 28 days ahead and the good ones go.
• Arriving without photo ID or with a phone in your pocket at security.
• Driving without a plan – Jebb Avenue has almost no parking.
Writing, phoning and sending money
Post goes to Jebb Avenue with the prisoner’s full name and number. He calls you – you cannot call him – using credit you can top up via the official send money to someone in prison service; see our prison phone credit guide. Letters and money reach men faster when the prison number is exactly right, so double-check it.
A note from experience
Prison Guide’s founder Daniel Hockey served time himself – HMP Wandsworth, another London local, through to open conditions at HMP Ford – and wrote The Secret Prisoner (2021). His London-prison advice: allow double the travel time you think you need; being late costs you the visit.
Frequently asked questions
What category is Brixton prison?
HMP Brixton is a category C training and resettlement prison – it no longer takes remand prisoners straight from court as it did when it was a local prison.
How do I get to HMP Brixton?
The prison is off Brixton Hill, about 15 minutes’ walk or a short bus ride from Brixton underground station (Victoria line). Parking on Jebb Avenue is extremely limited.
What is The Clink at Brixton?
A training restaurant and bakery staffed by serving prisoners working towards catering qualifications; families of Enhanced prisoners can order its food for visits.
How many visits is a prisoner allowed?
Convicted prisoners get at least two visits every four weeks, and men on higher incentive levels get more – ask him what his entitlement is.
Official sources: GOV.UK – Brixton Prison and HM Inspectorate of Prisons.
