Belmarsh Prison: Your Guide to London’s High-Security Fortress

In the southeast corner of London, Belmarsh Prison stands as one of the UK’s most secure and high-profile correctional facilities. Often dubbed “Britain’s Guantanamo Bay” due to its role in housing high-risk offenders, this Category A prison is a key part of the nation’s justice system. From its modern facilities to its storied history, Belmarsh Prison is both a place of confinement and a symbol of high-stakes security. This comprehensive guide explores its address, contact details, visiting procedures, transport links, and what life is like for inmates, providing essential information for families, researchers, and those curious about this formidable institution.

Overview of Belmarsh Prison

Belmarsh Prison, officially HMP Belmarsh, is a Category A male prison located in Thamesmead, southeast London. Opened in 1991, it is one of England’s newest high-security prisons, with a capacity of approximately 910 inmates. The prison houses adult male prisoners, including those on remand, serving life sentences, or classified as high-risk due to terrorism, murder, or organised crime. It also includes a High Security Unit (HSU) for the most dangerous offenders.

Managed by His Majesty’s Prison Service, Belmarsh focuses on security, risk management, and limited rehabilitation programs, such as education and vocational training. Its high-profile inmates have included Abu Hamza al-Masri, Julian Assange, and Ian Huntley, cementing its reputation as a facility for some of the UK’s most notorious criminals. Despite its modern design, Belmarsh faces challenges with violence, mental health issues, and staff shortages, as highlighted in recent inspections. Its role in national security makes it a unique and closely watched prison.

History of Belmarsh Prison

Belmarsh Prison opened on 2 April 1991, built to address the growing need for high-security facilities in London. Constructed on former Ministry of Defence land in Thamesmead, it was designed with advanced security features, including reinforced cells, CCTV, and a dedicated HSU. The prison was a response to the limitations of older facilities like Wandsworth and Pentonville, offering a modern solution for managing dangerous offenders.

From its inception, Belmarsh attracted attention for housing terrorism suspects, particularly after the 9/11 attacks, when it detained individuals under anti-terrorism laws. The 2000s saw high-profile cases, such as the detention of Abu Hamza and the extradition proceedings of Julian Assange. The prison’s HSU, likened to a “prison within a prison,” has been controversial for its isolation practices. Inspections in 2018 and 2023 praised Belmarsh’s security but raised concerns about overcrowding, self-harm, and limited activity time. As a relatively new prison, Belmarsh continues to evolve, balancing its high-security mandate with calls for better inmate welfare.

Belmarsh Prison Address

The most up-to-date address for Belmarsh Prison is:

This address is verified via the GOV.UK website. The prison is located in a semi-industrial area of Thamesmead, accessible via the A2016 and close to Woolwich.

Belmarsh Prison Telephone Number

To contact Belmarsh Prison, use the following number:

Telephone: +44 20 8331 4400

Sourced from GOV.UK, this number connects to the main switchboard, operational Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. For visitor bookings or specific inquiries, follow the prompts or request relevant extensions.

Belmarsh Prison Capacity

Belmarsh Prison has an operational capacity of approximately 910 inmates, according to Ministry of Justice data. The facility includes single and double cells across several houseblocks, with a separate HSU for maximum-security prisoners. Despite its modern design, overcrowding has been reported, particularly in remand units, as noted in recent inspections.

How to Get to Belmarsh Prison: Travel Directions and Transport Links

Belmarsh Prison is accessible by car, train, or bus, with good connections to central London and surrounding areas.

By Car

From central London, take the A2 to the A2016 (Western Way), a 30–45 minute drive depending on traffic. From Kent, follow the A206 to Thamesmead (20 minutes). The prison is just off Western Way, with clear signage. The M25 provides access from further afield, via Junction 2.

Parking: Free on-site parking is available for visitors, including disabled spaces. The car park is adjacent to the visitor centre, but spaces are limited during peak hours, so arrive early.

By Train

The nearest station is Plumstead, 1.5 miles away (10-minute taxi or 25-minute walk). Southeastern trains from London Cannon Street or London Bridge take 20–25 minutes. Alternatively, Woolwich Arsenal (1.8 miles) is served by Southeastern and the DLR. Taxis from either station cost £5–£10. Check schedules on the Southeastern website.

By Bus

From Woolwich Arsenal or Plumstead, the Number 180 bus (Transport for London) stops on Western Way, a 2-minute walk from the prison. Buses run every 10–15 minutes, taking 10 minutes from Woolwich. The Number 380 bus also serves nearby routes. Plan your journey using the TfL website.

How to Book a Visit to Belmarsh Prison

Visiting Belmarsh Prison requires advance booking and strict security measures due to its high-security status. Follow these steps:

1. Call the Booking Line: Contact +44 20 8331 4400 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM). Provide the inmate’s name, prison number, and desired visit date.
2. Online Booking: Use the GOV.UK prison visit booking service. Register and submit your request up to 28 days in advance.
3. Identification: Adults (18+) must show photo ID (e.g., passport, driving licence). Children need a birth certificate. Arrive 20 minutes early for enhanced security checks, including biometric scans and drug detection dogs.
4. Special Requirements: Request accessible facilities or child support when booking. The visitor centre offers a waiting area and basic amenities.

Confirmation is sent via email or phone. Cancel or reschedule at least 48 hours prior to avoid restrictions.

Belmarsh Prison Visiting Times

Visiting hours, as confirmed by GOV.UK, are:

• Tuesday, Thursday: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (social visits).
• Saturday, Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (social visits).
• Legal Visits: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (by appointment).

Visits last approximately 1 hour, with longer sessions for legal meetings. The visitor centre provides refreshments, but security is stringent. Check for holiday schedule changes or COVID-19 measures (e.g., masks).

Life at Belmarsh Prison: What’s It Like for Inmates?

Life at Belmarsh Prison is highly regimented, reflecting its high-security environment. Inmates are housed in single or double cells across houseblocks, with the HSU isolating the most dangerous offenders. Daily routines include limited education (e.g., literacy, IT), vocational training (e.g., cleaning, maintenance), and psychological support for high-risk prisoners. Facilities include a gym, library, and multi-faith rooms, but time out of cells is often restricted to 3–5 hours daily due to security protocols.

A 2023 inspection found that 50% of inmates felt unsafe, with violence, particularly in remand units, and drug use (e.g., Spice, heroin) posing challenges. Self-harm rates are high, with over 300 incidents reported in 2024, and mental health services are overstretched. Positive aspects include a mentoring program for younger inmates and family contact initiatives, though the HSU’s isolation draws criticism. Inmates describe a stark, controlled environment, where survival often depends on compliance and resilience, though some find purpose in educational courses.

Recent News About Belmarsh Prison

Belmarsh Prison has been in the spotlight in 2025 for security and welfare issues:

• Security Upgrades: In March 2025, new biometric scanners were installed to curb smuggling, following a rise in contraband. Evening Standard
• Mental Health Concerns: A February 2025 report highlighted a spike in self-harm, prompting calls for more psychological support. HM Inspectorate of Prisons
• High-Profile Release: In January 2025, a terrorism suspect’s release sparked debate about Belmarsh’s risk assessment processes. BBC News

These stories underscore Belmarsh’s high-stakes role and ongoing challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions About Belmarsh Prison

Who is held at Belmarsh Prison?

Belmarsh houses adult male prisoners, including high-risk offenders, terrorism suspects, and those on remand or serving life sentences.

How can I send money to an inmate?

Use the GOV.UK online payment service or send a postal order. Contact +44 20 8331 4400 for guidance. Cash is not accepted.

Is Belmarsh Prison accessible?

Yes, it offers ramps, accessible toilets, and parking. Request accommodations when booking.

What programs are available for inmates?

Inmates access limited education, vocational training, and psychological support, though availability is restricted by security protocols.

How safe is Belmarsh Prison?

Safety is a concern, with violence and self-harm reported in 2023. Enhanced security and support programs aim to address these issues.

HMPrisonguide.co.uk Personal Overview

At HMPrisonguide.co.uk, we believe that maintaining family connections is vital for inmates’ well-being and rehabilitation. Belmarsh Prison, with its capacity of 910 inmates and high-security focus, is a challenging environment, as recent news about self-harm and security upgrades shows. The visiting hours (Tuesday, Thursday, and weekends) and accessible booking process via +44 20 8331 4400 or GOV.UK make it possible for loved ones to stay in touch, which can be a lifeline in such a controlled setting. We hope this guide empowers you to contact Belmarsh Prison or visit someone dear to you, using the address on Western Way to plan your journey. For further details, visit the GOV.UK website.