How to Send a Newspaper or Magazine to a Prisoner (UK)
Last reviewed: June 2026.
In short: you usually cannot just post a newspaper or magazine to someone in prison yourself. For security reasons most UK prisons only accept publications sent directly from an approved retailer or publisher — so you set up a subscription or order that is delivered straight to the prison in the prisoner’s name and number. Rules vary by prison, so always check that establishment’s policy first. There’s also Inside Time, the free national newspaper for prisoners, and most prisons have a library with newspapers, magazines and books.
Why you can’t just post one in
Items posted in by family are a security risk — for example pages soaked in drugs, a real and serious problem in prisons — so most prisons restrict what arrives by ordinary post. Newspapers and magazines therefore generally have to come direct from a recognised supplier, not from your own home, so the prison knows exactly where the item originated.
How to do it
| Option | How it works |
|---|---|
| Subscription direct from the publisher/retailer | Order a subscription delivered straight to the prison in the prisoner’s name and number. |
| Specialist prisoner book/magazine services | Some retailers and charities supply approved publications direct to prisons. |
| Inside Time | The free national newspaper for prisoners, distributed inside at no charge. |
| Prison library | Most prisons have a library with newspapers, magazines and books. |
Setting up a subscription
The simplest route is an ordinary subscription with the publisher or a recognised retailer, set up to be posted to the prison and addressed to the prisoner’s full name and prison number. Because it comes direct from the publisher, it satisfies most prisons’ security rules — but confirm the individual prison accepts it and whether there’s a limit on how many publications a prisoner may have.
Books and other reading
Similar rules apply to books: many prisons only accept them direct from approved retailers, not posted in by family. Prisoners also have access to the prison library, and reading is encouraged. Always check the specific prison’s policy before ordering anything.
Common mistakes
- Posting a newspaper from home — most prisons won’t accept it.
- Forgetting the prison number — items can go astray without it.
- Not checking the specific prison’s policy — rules differ between prisons.
- Sending anything explicit or prohibited — it will be refused.
- Assuming books follow different rules — they usually must come from approved retailers too.
Frequently asked questions
Can I post a newspaper to a prisoner myself?
Usually not — most prisons require publications to come direct from an approved retailer or publisher.
How do I set up a subscription?
Order from the publisher or an approved supplier, delivered to the prison in the prisoner’s name and number; check the prison’s policy first.
Is there a free newspaper for prisoners?
Yes — Inside Time is distributed free inside prisons.
Can I send books too?
Usually only from approved retailers, not posted from home — check the prison’s policy.
Related guides and official sources
See how to contact someone in prison, sending money and prison phones. Official: GOV.UK on sending items to a prisoner; check the individual prison’s page for its publications policy.
