HMP Belmarsh: Category, Visits & What to Expect
Last reviewed: July 2026
HMP Belmarsh is Britain’s best-known high-security prison, and visiting or supporting someone held there works differently from an ordinary local prison. This guide explains what Belmarsh is, how visits work, and what recent inspections have found.
About HMP Belmarsh
Opened in 1991 in Thamesmead, south-east London, HMP Belmarsh is a Category A high-security prison. It performs an unusual dual role: it is the only reception prison within the high-security estate, serving the south-east London courts, and it also holds some of the country’s highest-risk prisoners, including those charged with or convicted of terrorism and other very serious offences. It contains a High Secure Unit — a prison-within-a-prison for the most sensitive cases. Because of this mix, Belmarsh holds men across all categories, from those on remand awaiting trial to long-sentence, high-risk prisoners.
| Detail | HMP Belmarsh |
|---|---|
| Category | Category A high-security (adult male) |
| Location | Thamesmead, south-east London |
| Opened | 1991 |
| Holds | All categories; remand and high-risk prisoners; includes a High Secure Unit |
| Role | Only reception prison in the high-security estate |
| Managed by | His Majesty’s Prison Service |
What is HMP Belmarsh like inside?
Despite its formidable reputation, HMP Belmarsh has shown improvement in recent inspection cycles. An Independent Review of Progress in April 2025, following a full inspection in 2024, found reasonable or good progress against a number of earlier concerns, with better cleanliness, more purposeful activity and improved teaching. Earlier reviews had noted rising use of force and too little time out of cell, which are common pressures in high-security settings. Conditions in a Category A prison are necessarily more controlled than elsewhere, which can make the regime feel restrictive to prisoners and families alike.
If someone you care about is held at Belmarsh, the most helpful things you can do are to stay patient with the extra security procedures, keep your contact steady, and use official channels for money and visits. Legal visits are arranged separately from social visits, so anyone awaiting trial should be guided by their solicitor.
- “Everyone at Belmarsh is a convicted terrorist.” Belmarsh holds a broad mix, including many men on remand awaiting trial for a range of offences.
- “Visiting is the same as any other prison.” As a high-security prison, Belmarsh applies extra identity checks and, for some prisoners, additional vetting.
- “I can bring gifts straight in.” Property and mail face closer checks; do not bring items into the visits hall or send anything without checking the rules first.
- “Being on remand there means he’s been convicted.” Remand means awaiting trial — a person on remand has not been convicted.
Visiting HMP Belmarsh
Visiting a high-security prison such as HMP Belmarsh involves extra steps compared with a local prison. As with any prison, the person inside must first add you to their visitor list, and you book a slot — the simplest route is the free GOV.UK Visit someone in prison service. Because Belmarsh holds Category A and high-risk prisoners, visitors may face additional identity checks and, for some prisoners, enhanced vetting before a visit is approved. Allow plenty of time and follow any instructions the prison gives you carefully.
On the day, security screening is thorough: expect a search, metal detectors and drugs-detection dogs. Bring valid photo ID for every adult — a passport or driving licence is safest — and be ready to leave phones and belongings in a locker, as they cannot enter the visits hall. Children are welcome but must be supervised. Current visiting days, times and any special conditions are published on the official GOV.UK page for HMP Belmarsh, which is the definitive source.
Sending money, letters and property
You can send money to someone at HMP Belmarsh 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. In a high-security prison, mail and property are subject to closer checks, so keep to letters and photos and avoid anything that could be treated as contraband. Check the current rules on the official GOV.UK page before sending anything else.
Frequently asked questions
What category is HMP Belmarsh?
It is a Category A high-security prison for adult men.
Do all Belmarsh visitors need extra vetting?
Standard identity checks apply to everyone, and enhanced vetting can apply for visits to some higher-risk prisoners. Follow the instructions the prison gives you.
How do I book a visit to HMP Belmarsh?
Use the GOV.UK “Visit someone in prison” service once the prisoner has added you to their visitor list, and allow for the extra security steps.
Does HMP Belmarsh hold people on remand?
Yes. As the reception prison for the high-security estate serving south-east London courts, it holds many men awaiting trial.
Official sources and further reading
For official details always check GOV.UK: Belmarsh 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.
