Coldingley Prison: A Comprehensive Guide to Surrey’s Training Prison

Nestled in the rural outskirts of Woking, Surrey, Coldingley Prison stands as a modern beacon of rehabilitation within the UK’s prison system. Known formally as HMP Coldingley, this Category C facility is dedicated to preparing male offenders for life after release, blending vocational training with a structured environment. Whether you’re planning a visit to support a loved one, researching its role in the justice system, or curious about life behind its walls, this guide offers a detailed exploration of Coldingley Prison’s address, telephone number, visiting procedures, transport links, and the daily experiences of its inmates, providing an essential resource for families and researchers.

Overview of Coldingley Prison

Coldingley Prison, officially HMP Coldingley, is a Category C male prison located in Bisley, near Woking, Surrey. Opened in 1969, it is a relatively modern facility with a capacity of approximately 513 inmates. The prison primarily houses adult male prisoners serving medium to long-term sentences for offences such as theft, fraud, or drug-related crimes, with a strong focus on training and resettlement to reduce reoffending.

Managed by His Majesty’s Prison Service, Coldingley is renowned for its extensive vocational programmes, including engineering, printing, and carpentry, supported by on-site workshops and classrooms. Its unique industrial focus sets it apart from other prisons, offering inmates practical skills for employment. While no high-profile inmates have been widely publicised, Coldingley serves a diverse population from Surrey and the South East. Recent inspections praise its training opportunities but highlight challenges with drug use and staff retention, positioning Coldingley as a progressive yet complex facility.

History of Coldingley Prison

Coldingley Prison opened in October 1969, built on a former military site in Bisley to address the need for a training-focused prison in the South East. Designed as a Category C facility, it was one of the first UK prisons to prioritise vocational skills, with workshops for engineering and printing established from the outset. The prison’s construction was part of a 1960s push to modernise the prison estate, moving away from the punitive designs of Victorian gaols.

Over the decades, Coldingley has expanded its training offerings, introducing programmes like carpentry and IT in the 1990s and 2000s. Upgrades in 2005 and 2018 enhanced its workshops and security, addressing issues like contraband smuggling. A 2023 HM Inspectorate of Prisons report commended Coldingley’s employability programmes but raised concerns about drug use and mental health support gaps. The prison’s history reflects its commitment to rehabilitation, tempered by the challenges of managing a diverse population in a rural setting.

Coldingley Prison Address

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

This address is verified via the GOV.UK website. The prison is located in a semi-rural area, 4 miles west of Woking, accessible via the A322.

Coldingley Prison Telephone Number

To contact Coldingley Prison, use the following number:

Telephone: +44 1483 344300

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.

Coldingley Prison Capacity

Coldingley Prison has an operational capacity of approximately 513 inmates, according to Ministry of Justice data. The facility includes single and double cells across several houseblocks, with some accessibility adaptations. Its capacity supports its role as a training prison, though overcrowding has been reported during peak periods.

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

Coldingley Prison’s semi-rural location near Woking requires some planning, but it is accessible by car, train, or bus, with connections to London, Guildford, and Surrey.

By Car

From Woking, take the A320 south, then the A322 to Shaftesbury Road (10 minutes). From London, follow the M25 to Junction 11, then the A320 and A322 (45 minutes). From Guildford, take the A3 north, then the A322 (20 minutes). The prison is signposted off Shaftesbury Road.

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

By Train

The nearest station is Brookwood Railway Station, 2 miles away (5-minute taxi or 10-minute bus ride). South Western Railway operates services from London Waterloo (30 minutes), Guildford (15 minutes), and Basingstoke (25 minutes). Taxis from the station cost £5–£8. Check schedules on the South Western Railway website.

By Bus

From Woking or Brookwood, the Number 28 bus (Arriva) stops near Bisley, a 10-minute walk from the prison. Buses run every 30 minutes, taking 10 minutes from Brookwood. Plan your journey using the Arriva South East website.

How to Book a Visit to Coldingley Prison

Visiting Coldingley Prison requires advance booking and compliance with security protocols. Follow these steps:

1. Call the Booking Line: Contact +44 1483 344300 (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 14 days in advance.
3. Identification: Adults (18+) must present photo ID (e.g., passport, driving licence). Children need a birth certificate. Arrive 15 minutes early for security checks, including searches and drug detection dogs.
4. Special Requirements: Request accessible facilities or child support when booking. The visitor centre offers a waiting area and basic facilities.

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

Coldingley Prison Visiting Times

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

• Wednesday, Friday: 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 hour, with longer sessions for legal meetings. The visitor centre is modern and functional, with refreshments available. Check for holiday schedule changes or COVID-19 measures (e.g., masks).

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

Life at Coldingley Prison is structured to promote rehabilitation, leveraging its training-focused facilities. Inmates live in single or double cells across houseblocks, with access to education (e.g., literacy, IT), vocational training (e.g., engineering, printing, carpentry), and work programmes. The prison’s workshops are a standout, producing goods for external businesses. Facilities include a gym, library, and outdoor areas, with 6–8 hours of daily out-of-cell time when staffing allows.

A 2023 inspection found that 70% of inmates felt safe, but drug use, particularly cannabis and Spice, remains a challenge, with over 100 incidents of contraband in 2024. Mental health support is improving but strained, with self-harm rates above average. Positive aspects include strong employability programmes, with inmates gaining qualifications recognised by employers, and family contact initiatives. Inmates describe a productive environment, with workshops offering a sense of purpose, though tensions from drug use and staffing shortages (down 10% in 2024) can disrupt progress.

Recent News About Coldingley Prison

Coldingley Prison has been in the news in 2025 for its rehabilitation efforts and challenges:

• Vocational Training Success: In March 2025, Coldingley’s printing workshop secured a contract with a local business, boosting inmate skills. Get Surrey
• Drug Smuggling Crackdown: A February 2025 operation reduced contraband smuggling, though drug issues persist. BBC Surrey
• Staff Shortages: A January 2025 report noted a 10% staff shortage, impacting programme delivery, with recruitment ongoing. HM Inspectorate of Prisons

These updates highlight Coldingley’s focus on rehabilitation amid operational hurdles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Coldingley Prison

Who is held at Coldingley Prison?

Coldingley houses adult male prisoners serving medium to long-term sentences in Category C conditions, with a focus on training and resettlement.

How can I send money to an inmate?

Supporting an inmate financially is a common concern. At Coldingley, use the GOV.UK online payment service or send a postal order. Contact +44 1483 344300 for guidance. Cash is not accepted for security reasons.

Is Coldingley 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 work programmes, including engineering, printing, and carpentry, though availability varies.

How safe is Coldingley Prison?

Safety is moderate, with 70% of inmates feeling safe in 2023. Drug use and staffing shortages are concerns, but training programmes are improving conditions.

HMPrisonguide.co.uk Personal Overview

At HMPrisonguide.co.uk, we believe that family support can be a game-changer for inmates, and Coldingley Prison’s focus on vocational training makes these connections vital. With a capacity of 513 inmates and recent news highlighting successes in its printing workshop alongside challenges like drug smuggling, Coldingley is a hub of opportunity and complexity. The visiting hours (Wednesday, Friday, and weekends) and straightforward booking process via +44 1483 344300 enable loved ones to offer hope, which can inspire change. We hope this guide helps you plan a visit to the Shaftesbury Road address or connect with someone at Coldingley Prison, fostering support and rehabilitation. For more details, visit the GOV.UK website.