Drake Hall Womens Prison: Address, Telephone Number, Visits

Drake Hall Womens Prison: A Comprehensive Guide to Staffordshire’s Female Open Prison

Located in the serene countryside near Eccleshall, Staffordshire, Drake Hall Womens Prison is a unique open prison designed to support female offenders in their journey towards rehabilitation. Officially known as HMP/YOI Drake Hall, this Category C and open prison offers a progressive environment for women preparing for release. 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 exploration of Drake Hall Womens Prison’s address, telephone number, visiting procedures, transport links, and the daily experiences of its inmates, serving as an essential resource for families and researchers.

Overview of Drake Hall Womens Prison

Drake Hall Womens Prison, officially HMP/YOI Drake Hall, is a Category C and open prison for adult women and young female offenders (18–21) located in Eccleshall, Staffordshire. Originally opened in 1960 as a male youth detention centre, it was re-roled in 1974 to house women, with a capacity of approximately 315 inmates. The facility primarily accommodates women serving medium to long-term sentences for offences such as theft, fraud, or drug-related crimes, with a strong focus on resettlement through education and work opportunities.

Managed by His Majesty’s Prison Service, Drake Hall is renowned for its open conditions, allowing inmates greater freedom and access to community-based work via Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL). Its facilities include workshops, classrooms, and a farm, designed to foster practical skills. While no high-profile inmates have been widely publicised, the prison serves a diverse population from the Midlands and beyond. Recent inspections praise its supportive environment but highlight challenges with mental health support and staff retention, positioning Drake Hall as a vital part of the female prison estate.

History of Drake Hall Womens Prison

Drake Hall Womens Prison began as a male youth detention centre in 1960, built on a former military site near Eccleshall. In 1974, it was re-roled to house female prisoners, reflecting the need for dedicated women’s facilities in the Midlands. The transition introduced open conditions, making it one of the UK’s first female open prisons, with a focus on rehabilitation and community integration.

Key milestones include the introduction of ROTL in the 1980s, allowing inmates to work in local businesses, and the expansion of vocational training in the 2000s, including farming and horticulture programmes. Inspections in the 1990s praised its progressive approach but noted issues with infrastructure. Upgrades in 2005 and 2018 enhanced its educational facilities and security, addressing concerns like contraband smuggling. A 2023 HM Inspectorate of Prisons report commended its resettlement programmes but flagged mental health support gaps and staffing challenges. Drake Hall’s history reflects its evolution into a leading open prison, balancing freedom with responsibility.

Drake Hall Womens Prison Address

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

HMP/YOI Drake Hall
Eccleshall
Stafford, Staffordshire, ST21 6LQ
United Kingdom

This address is verified via the GOV.UK website. The prison is located in a rural area, 3 miles west of Eccleshall, accessible via the A51.

Drake Hall Womens Prison Telephone Number

To contact Drake Hall Womens Prison, use the following number:

Telephone: +44 1785 774100

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.

Drake Hall Womens Prison Capacity

Drake Hall Womens Prison has an operational capacity of approximately 315 inmates, according to Ministry of Justice data. The facility includes single cells across several residential units, with accessibility adaptations for some inmates. Its capacity supports its open prison model, though space constraints can occur in high-demand units.

How to Get to Drake Hall Womens Prison: Travel Directions and Transport Links

Drake Hall Womens Prison’s rural location near Eccleshall requires planning, but it is accessible by car, bus, or limited train connections, with links to Stafford, Stoke-on-Trent, and Birmingham.

By Car

From Eccleshall, take the A5013 west, then follow signs to Drake Hall (5 minutes). From Stafford, take the A34 north, then the A5013 (15 minutes). From Birmingham, follow the M6 to Junction 14, then the A34 and A5013 (40 minutes). The prison is signposted off the A5013.

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 Stafford Railway Station, 7 miles away (15-minute taxi or 20-minute bus ride). West Midlands Trains and Avanti West Coast operate services from Birmingham New Street (30 minutes), London Euston (1.5 hours), and Manchester (1 hour). Taxis from the station cost £10–£15. Check schedules on the West Midlands Railway website.

By Bus

From Stafford or Eccleshall, the Number 14 bus (D&G Bus) stops near Eccleshall, a 10-minute walk from the prison. Buses run every 30 minutes, taking 15 minutes from Stafford. Plan your journey using the D&G Bus website.

How to Book a Visit to Drake Hall Womens Prison

Visiting Drake Hall Womens Prison requires advance booking and compliance with security protocols, though its open conditions allow for a slightly more relaxed process. Follow these steps:

Call the Booking Line: Contact +44 1785 774100 (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 14 days in advance.
Identification: Adults (18+) must present photo ID (e.g., passport, driving licence). Children need a birth certificate. Arrive 15 minutes early for security checks, which are less stringent than in closed prisons but include searches.
Special Requirements: Request accessible facilities or child support when booking. The visitor centre offers a family-friendly waiting area with a play space.

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

Drake Hall 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 Drake Hall Womens Prison: What’s It Like for Inmates?

Life at Drake Hall Womens Prison is structured to promote rehabilitation, leveraging its open conditions and modern facilities. Inmates live in single cells across residential units, with access to education (e.g., literacy, IT), vocational training (e.g., farming, horticulture), and work programmes, including ROTL opportunities in local businesses. Facilities include a gym, library, and extensive grounds, with 8–10 hours of daily out-of-cell time, reflecting the prison’s open status.

A 2023 inspection found that 80% of inmates felt safe, one of the highest rates among female prisons, though drug use, particularly cannabis, and self-harm (over 100 incidents in 2024) remain challenges. Mental health support is a priority, but staffing shortages (down 8% in 2024) limit delivery. Positive aspects include trauma-informed care, family contact programmes, and ROTL, which allow inmates to maintain community ties. Inmates describe a supportive, less restrictive environment, with work opportunities offering hope, though the transition to open conditions can be challenging for some.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drake Hall Womens Prison

Who is held at Drake Hall Womens Prison?

Drake Hall houses adult women and young female offenders (18–21) serving medium to long-term sentences in Category C and open conditions.

How can I send money to an inmate?

Supporting an inmate financially is a common concern. At Drake Hall, use the GOV.UK online payment service or send a postal order. Contact +44 1785 774100 for guidance. Cash is not accepted for security reasons.

Is Drake Hall 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 work programmes, including IT, farming, and ROTL opportunities, though availability varies.

How safe is Drake Hall Womens Prison?

Safety is strong, with 80% of inmates feeling safe in 2023. Drug use and self-harm are concerns, but support programmes are improving conditions.

HMPrisonguide.co.uk Personal Overview

At HMPrisonguide.co.uk, we believe that family support can be a lifeline for inmates, and Drake Hall Womens Prison’s open conditions make these connections vital for rehabilitation. With a capacity of 315 inmates and recent news highlighting successes in ROTL alongside challenges like drug smuggling, Drake Hall is a hub of opportunity. The visiting hours (Tuesday, Thursday, and weekends) and straightforward booking process via +44 1785 774100 enable loved ones to offer hope, which can transform a woman’s journey. We hope this guide helps you plan a visit to the Eccleshall address or connect with someone at Drake Hall Womens Prison, fostering support and change. For more details, visit the GOV.UK website.