Bronzefield Womens Prison: Address, Telephone Number, Visits

Bronzefield Womens Prison: A Comprehensive Guide to Surrey’s Female Facility

Situated in the quiet town of Ashford, Surrey, Bronzefield Womens Prison stands as the UK’s largest privately run women’s prison. Operated by Sodexo Justice Services, this modern facility is a cornerstone of the female prison estate, offering a unique blend of high-security measures and rehabilitation programmes. Whether you’re planning a visit to support a loved one, researching its role in the justice system, or curious about life inside, this guide provides a detailed look at Bronzefield Womens Prison’s address, telephone number, visiting procedures, transport links, and the experiences of its inmates, offering a vital resource for families and researchers alike.

Overview of Bronzefield Womens Prison

Bronzefield Womens Prison, officially HMP Bronzefield, is a Category A and B female prison located in Ashford, Surrey. Opened in June 2004, it is one of the UK’s newest prisons, with a capacity of approximately 572 inmates. The facility houses adult women and young female offenders (18–21), including those on remand, serving short to life sentences, or classified as high-risk due to serious crimes like murder or terrorism. It also features a mother and baby unit, one of only six in the UK, supporting up to 12 mothers and their infants.

As a privately managed prison under Sodexo Justice Services, Bronzefield emphasizes rehabilitation through education, vocational training, and mental health support, using modern facilities like classrooms and workshops. Notable inmates have included Lucy Letby, the nurse convicted of infant murders in 2023, and Joanna Dennehy, a serial killer. Recent inspections praise its progressive programmes but highlight issues with drug use and staff turnover, making Bronzefield a complex hub of security and reform in the female prison system.

History of Bronzefield Womens Prison

Bronzefield Womens Prison was established in 2004, built on a former industrial site in Ashford to address the need for modern female correctional facilities in the South East. Constructed under a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) with Sodexo, it replaced older prisons like Holloway, which closed in 2016. Designed with advanced security features and rehabilitation-focused infrastructure, Bronzefield was hailed as a forward-thinking model for women’s incarceration, featuring single cells, a mother and baby unit, and digital learning tools.

Since opening, Bronzefield has faced scrutiny for its private management, with debates about profit-driven operations. Key milestones include the expansion of its mother and baby unit in 2010 and the introduction of trauma-informed care programmes in 2018. A 2023 HM Inspectorate of Prisons report commended its educational offerings but raised concerns about drug smuggling and mental health support gaps. High-profile cases, such as Lucy Letby’s imprisonment, have kept Bronzefield in the public eye. Its relatively short history reflects both innovation and the challenges of privatised incarceration.

Bronzefield Womens Prison Address

The most up-to-date address for Bronzefield Womens Prison is:

HMP Bronzefield
Woodthorpe Road
Ashford, Surrey, TW15 3JZ
United Kingdom

This address is verified via the GOV.UK website. The prison is located in a suburban area of Ashford, 1.5 miles from the town centre, accessible via the A308 and close to London Heathrow.

Bronzefield Womens Prison Telephone Number

To contact Bronzefield Womens Prison, use the following number:

Telephone: +44 1784 746100

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

Bronzefield Womens Prison Capacity

Bronzefield Womens Prison has an operational capacity of approximately 572 inmates, according to Ministry of Justice data. The facility includes single cells across several houseblocks, with a dedicated mother and baby unit for up to 12 mothers and infants. Its modern design allows for some accessibility adaptations, though space constraints can lead to overcrowding in high-demand units.

How to Get to Bronzefield Womens Prison: Travel Directions and Transport Links

Bronzefield Womens Prison’s location in Ashford offers good connectivity to London, Surrey, and surrounding areas.

By Car

From London, take the M3 to Junction 1, then the A308 to Woodthorpe Road (30–45 minutes, depending on traffic). From Guildford, follow the A3 north, then the A308 (25 minutes). From Heathrow Airport, take the A30 to the A308 (10 minutes). The prison is signposted off Woodthorpe Road.

Parking: Free on-site parking is available for visitors, including disabled spaces. The car park is adjacent to the visitor centre, with ample spaces even during peak hours.

By Train

The nearest station is Ashford (Surrey) Railway Station, 1 mile away (5-minute taxi or 20-minute walk). South Western Railway operates services from London Waterloo (40 minutes) and Reading (30 minutes). Taxis from the station cost £5–£8. Alternatively, Staines Station (2 miles) offers additional connections. Check schedules on the South Western Railway website.

By Bus

From Ashford or Staines, the Number 117 or 216 bus (Transport for London) stops on Woodthorpe Road, a 3-minute walk from the prison. Buses run every 15–20 minutes, taking 10 minutes from Ashford town centre. Plan your journey using the TfL website.

How to Book a Visit to Bronzefield Womens Prison

Visiting Bronzefield Womens Prison requires advance booking and strict security compliance due to its high-security status. Follow these steps:

Call the Booking Line: Contact +44 1784 746100 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM). Provide the inmate’s name, prison number, and desired visit date.
Online Booking: Use the GOV.UK prison visit booking service. Register and submit your request up to 28 days in advance.
Identification: Adults (18+) must present photo ID (e.g., passport, driving licence). Children need a birth certificate. Arrive 20 minutes early for security checks, including searches and drug detection dogs.
Special Requirements: Request accessible facilities or child support when booking. The visitor centre offers a play area and refreshments, ideal for families.

Confirmation is sent via email or phone. Cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours prior to avoid restrictions.

Bronzefield Womens Prison Visiting Times

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

Tuesday, Thursday: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (social visits).
Saturday, Sunday: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (social visits).
Legal Visits: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (by appointment).

Visits last approximately 1–2 hours, with longer sessions for legal meetings. The visitor centre is modern and family-friendly, with a play area and refreshments. Check for holiday schedule changes or COVID-19 measures (e.g., masks).

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

Life at Bronzefield Womens Prison is structured to balance security with rehabilitation, leveraging its modern facilities. Inmates live in single cells across houseblocks, with access to education (e.g., literacy, IT), vocational training (e.g., hairdressing, catering), and mental health programmes. The mother and baby unit is a standout, supporting up to 12 mothers with parenting classes and bonding activities. Facilities include a gym, library, and outdoor areas, fostering well-being, though time out of cells varies (6–8 hours daily).

A 2023 inspection found that 70% of inmates felt safe, but drug use, particularly Spice, and self-harm (over 250 incidents in 2024) remain challenges. Mental health support is a priority, but staffing shortages (down 12% in 2024) limit delivery. Positive aspects include trauma-informed care and family contact programmes, especially for mothers. Inmates describe a supportive yet structured environment, with the mother and baby unit offering hope, though high-security measures can feel isolating for some.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bronzefield Womens Prison

Who is held at Bronzefield Womens Prison?

Bronzefield houses adult women and young female offenders (18–21), including those on remand, serving sentences, or classified as high-risk.

How can I send money to an inmate?

Supporting an inmate financially is a common concern. At Bronzefield, use the GOV.UK online payment service or send a postal order. Contact +44 1784 746100 for guidance. Cash is not accepted for security reasons.

Is Bronzefield Womens Prison accessible?

Yes, it offers ramps, accessible toilets, and parking. Request accommodations when booking to ensure a smooth visit.

What programmes are available for inmates?

Inmates access education, vocational training, and mental health support, including IT, hairdressing, and parenting classes, though availability varies.

How safe is Bronzefield Womens Prison?

Safety is relatively good, with 70% of inmates feeling safe in 2023. Drug use and self-harm are concerns, but security and support programmes are improving.

HMPrisonguide.co.uk Personal Overview

At HMPrisonguide.co.uk, we’re passionate about helping families maintain vital connections with inmates. Bronzefield Womens Prison, with its 572 inmates and modern facilities, stands out for its rehabilitation focus, particularly its mother and baby unit, though recent news highlights challenges like drug smuggling. The visiting hours (Tuesday, Thursday, and weekends) and accessible booking via +44 1784 746100 make it easier to support loved ones, which can be transformative for women in custody. We hope this guide helps you plan a visit to the Woodthorpe Road address or connect with someone at Bronzefield, fostering hope and change. For more details, visit the GOV.UK website.