HMP High Down: Category, Visits & What to Expect
Last reviewed: July 2026
If a friend or relative has been taken to HMP High Down, this guide sets out clearly what the prison is, how to arrange a visit, and what recent inspections have found — with links to official sources.
About HMP High Down
HMP High Down opened in 1992 on the site of the former Banstead Hospital, near Sutton in Surrey on the southern edge of Greater London. It is a Category B local prison, holding men on remand and men serving mainly shorter and medium-length sentences, and it serves the courts of Surrey and south London. Being a local prison, it has a steady flow of new arrivals and men moving on, and it sits alongside a neighbouring establishment as part of a larger prison site.
| Detail | HMP High Down |
|---|---|
| Category | Category B local (adult male) |
| Location | Near Sutton, Surrey (southern edge of Greater London) |
| Opened | 1992 (former Banstead Hospital site) |
| Holds | Remand and convicted adult men; shorter to medium sentences |
| Approx. population | Around 1,100–1,200 men (approximate; figures fluctuate) |
| Managed by | His Majesty’s Prison Service |
What is HMP High Down like inside?
Recent HM Inspectorate of Prisons scrutiny of HMP High Down highlighted problems with drugs and their knock-on effect on safety. Inspectors found that drug-test positivity remained high and that violence had risen over the preceding period, with a clear link between drugs, drug debt and violence — a pattern seen across much of the prison estate. Tackling the supply of drugs and supporting men who become indebted are central to making a prison like High Down safer.
For families, the practical priorities are the same as at any local prison: get on the visitor list, keep contact regular, put a little money on the prisoner’s account through the official service, and encourage engagement with work, education and any substance-misuse support on offer. If you are worried about someone’s safety or wellbeing, raise it with the prison directly.
- “High Down is a high-security prison.” It is a Category B local prison, not a Category A high-security establishment.
- “I can visit without booking.” Social visits must be booked in advance and you must be on the prisoner’s visitor list.
- “He’ll definitely serve his whole sentence at High Down.” As a local prison, men are often transferred to other establishments during a sentence.
- “I’ll bring cash to hand over.” Use the GOV.UK send-money service instead — it is quicker and more secure.
Visiting HMP High Down
Almost all social visits to HMP High Down must be booked in advance. The person in prison first has to send you a visiting order (VO) or add you to their contact list, and you then book a slot. The simplest route is the government’s free Visit someone in prison service, which lets approved visitors request a date online. You will need the prisoner’s number and date of birth, and the details of everyone coming with you.
When you arrive, allow extra time. You will pass through security screening, which can include a search, a metal detector and sometimes a drugs-detection dog. Bring valid photo ID for every adult visitor — a passport or driving licence is safest. Lockers are provided for phones and personal belongings, which cannot be taken into the visits hall. Children are welcome but must be supervised at all times. Full, prison-specific arrangements — including current visiting days and times — are on the official GOV.UK page for HMP High Down, which is kept up to date.
Sending money, letters and property
You can send money to someone at HMP High Down using the free GOV.UK Send money to a prisoner service, which is the fastest and most reliable method. Money is usually credited within a few working days and the prisoner can spend it from their private-cash account on canteen items.
Letters and cards can be posted to the prisoner at the prison’s address, marked with their name and prison number. There are limits on what can be enclosed — avoid anything that could be seen as contraband, and do not send valuables. Some property can be handed in or posted in only with prior agreement, so check the current rules on the official GOV.UK page before sending anything other than letters.
Frequently asked questions
What category is HMP High Down?
It is a Category B local prison for adult men.
Where is HMP High Down?
It is near Sutton in Surrey, on the southern edge of Greater London.
How do I book a visit to HMP High Down?
Use the GOV.UK “Visit someone in prison” service once the prisoner has added you to their visitor list.
When did HMP High Down open?
It opened in 1992 on the site of the former Banstead Hospital.
Official sources and further reading
For official details always check GOV.UK: High Down Prison. Inspection reports are published by HM Inspectorate of Prisons. See also our guides to prison visits and sending money to a prisoner, and support from the Prison Reform Trust.
Prison Guide was founded by Daniel Hockey, who served a custodial sentence — from HMP Wandsworth through to open conditions at HMP Ford — and wrote The Secret Prisoner (2021). Read more about Daniel.
