HMP Bure: Category, Who It Holds and Visiting
Last reviewed: July 2026
What type of prison is Bure?
Bure opened in 2009 on the site of the old RAF Coltishall base, roughly ten miles north-east of Norwich. It is a category C training prison whose role is to hold adult men convicted of sexual offences. Because of that role, the population tends to be older and more settled than in most prisons, and levels of violence are low compared with the national picture.
Men are usually transferred to Bure after sentencing rather than arriving straight from court, and many spend years there completing offending-behaviour programmes before progressing towards release.
Key facts at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Category | C (training prison) |
| Who it holds | Adult men, almost all convicted of sexual offences |
| Capacity | Around 650 |
| Location | Scottow, Norwich, Norfolk, NR10 5GB |
| Operator | HMPPS (public sector) |
| Opened | 2009 (former RAF Coltishall site) |
| Visit booking | GOV.UK online visit booking |
What inspectors found
The most recent full inspection by HM Inspectorate of Prisons, carried out in October 2023, found Bure to be a safe and respectful prison with clean, well-maintained accommodation and very good relationships between staff and prisoners, supported by effective key work. Inspectors did raise two persistent criticisms: black prisoners had reported comparatively worse experiences across several inspections without leaders getting to grips with why, and the prison was not fully delivering its training remit, with fewer than two-thirds of working-age men engaged in education, training or work. The full report is on the HMIP website.
Daily life at Bure
Prisoners at Bure are unlocked for most of the day, which is better than at many category C prisons. There are workshops, education provision, gardens and orderly jobs, along with accredited programmes linked to the prison’s specialist role. The site’s airbase history gives it an unusual, spread-out feel, with plenty of open space between buildings.
Visiting HMP Bure
Book through the GOV.UK visit service with the prisoner’s number and date of birth. Norfolk’s rural roads mean journeys often take longer than the map suggests, so allow extra time; public transport links are limited and most families drive or take a taxi from Norwich. See our step-by-step guide to booking a visit to Bure.
Our founder Daniel Hockey, who served a sentence himself (HMP Wandsworth through to open conditions at HMP Ford) and wrote The Secret Prisoner (2021), always reminds first-time visitors: the security process feels intimidating the first time, but it is routine — dress simply, bring photo ID, and leave valuables in the car or a locker. More about Daniel here.
• “Bure is a local prison for Norfolk offenders.” No — men are sent there from all over the country because of its specialist role, not because they are from Norfolk.
• “A safe prison means an easy regime.” Bure is settled, but inspectors still criticised the shortage of education and work places.
• “Visits can be booked by phone on the day.” Visits must be booked in advance and visitors must be on the approved list.
Keeping in touch with someone at Bure
Alongside visits, prisoners at Bure can make outgoing calls from PIN phones once numbers are approved, and families can write by post or use the Email a Prisoner service where available. Money can be sent through the official GOV.UK send money to a prisoner service. Because many men at Bure are serving long sentences a long way from home, consistent contact matters enormously — letters and regular calls do more for stability and progression than occasional long visits, and staff generally support families who keep that routine going.
Frequently asked questions
Is HMP Bure a sex offender prison?
Yes — its role is to hold adult men convicted of sexual offences, and its programmes are geared to that population.
How big is Bure?
It holds around 650 men, making it a medium-sized prison by English standards.
How do I get to HMP Bure?
The prison is at Scottow, near Coltishall, about ten miles from Norwich. Most visitors drive; allow time for rural roads. The official GOV.UK Bure page lists current visiting times and contact details.
What is the difference between Bure and Littlehey?
Both are category C prisons holding men convicted of sexual offences; Littlehey in Cambridgeshire is roughly twice the size. See our guide to HMP Littlehey.
