HMP Guys Marsh

HMP Guys Marsh is a prison located in the UK, with a history dating back to 1960 when it opened as a borstal. It transitioned to a young offender institution in 1984 and later became a closed establishment in 1992. Since 2008, it has been functioning as an adult male category C prison. It holds prisoners serving life sentences, indeterminate sentences for public protection, and those involved in the integrated drug treatment service (IDTS). The facility was also designated as a foreign national prisoner centre and a priority prolific offender centre of excellence. Governed by Her Majesty’s Prison Service (HMPS) as part of the South West region, the prison has a capacity of 491 inmates and is currently under the leadership of Governor Niall Bryant

HMP Guys Marsh

Life Inside HMP Guys Marsh

HMP Guys Marsh runs several accredited programmes, including the Thinking Skills Programme (TSP), the Prison Addressing Substance Related Offending (PASRO) drug rehabilitation programme, and Controlling Anger and Learning to Manage it (CALM). Work opportunities for prisoners include contract production workshops, farm/estates management, laundry, kitchen, gym, industrial cleaning, and bricklaying. These roles offer recognized external qualifications. The prison also supports Release On Temporary Licence (ROTL) for prisoners categorized as Cat D

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Visiting HMP Guys Marsh

Visiting HMP Guys Marsh

Booking Visits

  • Family and Friends Visits: Limited schedule; bookings by phone at 01747 856 586 (Mon-Thurs: 1pm-3pm; Fri: 11.30am-1pm).
  • Legal and Professional Visits: Book via email ([email protected]) or phone (Mon-Thurs: 8am-4.30pm; Fri: 8am-4pm).
  • Visiting Times:
    • Family/Friends: Fri-Sun, 2pm-3:45pm.
    • Legal/Professional: Thursdays, 9am-11:30am and 2pm-4pm

Directions to the Prison

  • Closest Railway Station: Gillingham (Dorset), approximately 6 miles away.
  • Public Transport: National Rail Enquiries and Traveline for local bus times.
  • Car Parking: Free parking available at Guys Marsh

Visitor Requirements

  • Identification: Adults need to show ID, under-16s must bring a birth certificate.
  • Security Measures: Pat-down searches for all visitors, including children, and possible security dog sniffs.
  • Dress Code: Smart clothes required (specific restrictions apply).
  • Facilities: Visitor centre with information, refreshments, and children’s toys; play area inside the visiting hall

Contact Information

  • Governor: Niall Bryant
  • Telephone (24 hours): 01747 856 400
  • Fax: 01747 856 401
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Address: HMP Guys Marsh, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 0AH​