East Sutton Park Womens Prison: Address, Telephone Number, Visits

East Sutton Park Womens Prison: A Comprehensive Guide to Kent’s Female Open Prison

Nestled in the picturesque countryside near Maidstone, Kent, East Sutton Park Womens Prison is a unique open prison dedicated to supporting female offenders in their journey towards rehabilitation. Officially known as HMP/YOI East Sutton Park, this Category D facility offers a progressive environment that encourages personal growth and community integration. Whether you’re planning a visit to support a loved one, researching its role in the justice system, or curious about life within its historic walls, this guide provides a detailed exploration of East Sutton Park 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 East Sutton Park Womens Prison

East Sutton Park Womens Prison, officially HMP/YOI East Sutton Park, is a Category D open prison for adult women and young female offenders (18–21) located in Sutton Valence, Kent. Originally opened in 1946 as a borstal, it was re-roled in 1987 to house women, with a capacity of approximately 100 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, vocational training, and Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL).

Managed by His Majesty’s Prison Service, East Sutton Park is renowned for its open conditions, allowing inmates greater freedom and opportunities to work in the community. Its facilities include a farm, gardens, and classrooms, fostering practical skills. While no high-profile inmates have been widely publicised, the prison serves a diverse population from Kent and the South East. Recent inspections praise its supportive environment but highlight challenges with mental health support and staff retention, positioning East Sutton Park as a vital part of the female prison estate.

History of East Sutton Park Womens Prison

East Sutton Park Womens Prison began as a male borstal in 1946, established in a 16th-century manor house to provide a rehabilitative environment for young offenders. In 1987, it was re-roled to house female prisoners, reflecting the need for dedicated women’s open prisons. The transition introduced open conditions, allowing inmates to engage in community work through ROTL, a pioneering approach for female incarceration at the time.

Key milestones include the expansion of its farm and horticulture programmes in the 1990s, which became a cornerstone of its rehabilitation efforts, and the introduction of trauma-informed care in 2015. Inspections in the 2000s praised its progressive ethos but noted issues with aging infrastructure. Upgrades in 2005 and 2019 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. East Sutton Park’s history reflects its evolution into a leading open prison, balancing heritage with modern rehabilitation.

East Sutton Park Womens Prison Address

The most up-to-date address for East Sutton Park Womens Prison is:

HMP/YOI East Sutton Park
Sutton Valence
Maidstone, Kent, ME17 3DF
United Kingdom

This address is verified via the GOV.UK website. The prison is located in a rural area, 5 miles southeast of Maidstone, accessible via the A274.

East Sutton Park Womens Prison Telephone Number

To contact East Sutton Park Womens Prison, use the following number:

Telephone: +44 1622 842387

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.

East Sutton Park Womens Prison Capacity

East Sutton Park Womens Prison has an operational capacity of approximately 100 inmates, according to Ministry of Justice data. The facility includes single rooms within the manor house and annexes, with accessibility adaptations for some inmates. Its small capacity supports its open prison model, fostering a community-like atmosphere.

How to Get to East Sutton Park Womens Prison: Travel Directions and Transport Links

East Sutton Park Womens Prison’s rural location near Maidstone requires planning, but it is accessible by car, bus, or limited train connections, with links to London, Ashford, and Canterbury.

By Car

From Maidstone, take the A274 south to Sutton Valence (10 minutes). From London, follow the M20 to Junction 8, then the A20 and A274 (1 hour). From Ashford, take the A20 west, then the A274 (20 minutes). The prison is signposted off the A274 in Sutton Valence.

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 Headcorn Railway Station, 5 miles away (10-minute taxi). Southeastern operates services from London Charing Cross (1 hour), Ashford International (15 minutes), and Canterbury (30 minutes). Taxis from the station cost £8–£12. Alternatively, Maidstone East Station (6 miles) offers wider connections. Check schedules on the Southeastern website.

By Bus

From Maidstone or Headcorn, the Number 12 bus (Arriva) stops in Sutton Valence, a 5-minute walk from the prison. Buses run every 30 minutes, taking 15 minutes from Maidstone. Plan your journey using the Arriva South East website.

How to Book a Visit to East Sutton Park Womens Prison

Visiting East Sutton Park Womens Prison requires advance booking, with a more relaxed security process due to its open conditions. Follow these steps:

Call the Booking Line: Contact +44 1622 842387 (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.

East Sutton Park 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 welcoming, with a play area and refreshments for families. Check for holiday schedule changes or COVID-19 measures (e.g., masks).

Life at East Sutton Park Womens Prison: What’s It Like for Inmates?

Life at East Sutton Park Womens Prison is structured to promote rehabilitation, leveraging its open conditions and historic setting. Inmates live in single rooms within the manor house or annexes, with access to education (e.g., literacy, IT), vocational training (e.g., horticulture, catering), and work programmes, including ROTL opportunities in local businesses. The prison’s farm and gardens are standouts, offering practical skills. Facilities include a gym, library, and extensive grounds, with 8–10 hours of daily out-of-cell time, reflecting its open status.

A 2023 inspection found that 85% of inmates felt safe, one of the highest rates among female prisons, though drug use, particularly cannabis, and self-harm (around 80 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, community-like environment, with work opportunities offering hope, though adjusting to open conditions can be challenging for some.

Frequently Asked Questions About East Sutton Park Womens Prison

Who is held at East Sutton Park Womens Prison?

East Sutton Park houses adult women and young female offenders (18–21) serving medium to long-term sentences in Category D open conditions.

How can I send money to an inmate?

Supporting an inmate financially is a common concern. At East Sutton Park, use the GOV.UK online payment service or send a postal order. Contact +44 1622 842387 for guidance. Cash is not accepted for security reasons.

Is East Sutton Park 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, horticulture, and ROTL opportunities, though availability varies.

How safe is East Sutton Park Womens Prison?

Safety is strong, with 85% 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’re passionate about helping families stay connected with inmates, and East Sutton Park Womens Prison’s open conditions make these ties vital for rehabilitation. With a capacity of 100 inmates and recent news highlighting successes in ROTL and horticulture alongside staffing challenges, East Sutton Park is a hub of opportunity. The visiting hours (Tuesday, Thursday, and weekends) and straightforward booking process via +44 1622 842387 enable loved ones to offer support, which can transform a woman’s journey. We hope this guide helps you plan a visit to the Sutton Valence address or connect with someone at East Sutton Park Womens Prison, fostering hope and change. For more details, visit the GOV.UK website.