HMP Grendon Springhill
HMP Grendon Springhill, located in Grendon Underwood, Buckinghamshire, is a Category B adult male prison with a capacity of 238 inmates, although as of August 2013, it housed 212 prisoners. This unique facility, opened in 1962, was initially an experimental psychiatric prison and has since evolved into the UK’s only therapeutic prison community, focusing on the treatment of serious sex offenders and violent offenders.
What is HMP Grendon Springhill Like for a Prisoner?
Life inside HMP Grendon Springhill is structured around therapeutic community (TC) principles. The prison, which holds Category B & C adult male prisoners, operates six wings, each functioning as an autonomous therapeutic community. These communities are supported by teams of doctors, psychiatric nurses, counsellors, and prison officers, working with inmates individually and in groups. The therapeutic programmes promote rehabilitation and tackle reoffending.
The daily routine includes group or community meetings, community activities for skill development, democratic decision-making, and feedback mechanisms to address anti-social or offending behaviour patterns. This environment is designed to foster positive relationships, personal responsibility, social participation, and psychological wellbeing.
Directions to HMP Grendon Springhill
Reaching HMP Grendon Springhill can be challenging due to its rural location. Public transport options are limited, especially on Sundays. From Aylesbury, visitors can take bus #16 by Arriva, followed by a 10-minute walk to the prison. The nearest train station is in Bicester, with taxis available for pre-booking. For those driving, detailed directions are available depending on the route taken, and parking is available on-site.
Booking a Visit to Grendon Springhill
Visits at HMP Grendon Springhill are scheduled for Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays between 14:00 and 16:00. Booking can be done online via the official government website or via email. Visitors need to provide the name and date of birth of the person they are visiting, their prisoner number, and the visitor’s details. The visitation area is more relaxed compared to other prisons, allowing inmates to interact more freely with their visitors.
HMP Grendon Spring Hill Visiting Times
Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday: 1:45pm to 3:45pm.
HMP Grendon Springhill Address, Telephone Number, and Parking
Grendon Underwood, Edgcott, Aylesbury HP18 0TL
Phone: 01296 445000