Featherstone Prison: A Comprehensive Guide to Staffordshire’s Modern Male Facility

Nestled in the rural outskirts of Wolverhampton, Featherstone Prison stands as a modern cornerstone of the UK’s prison system, serving the Midlands with a focus on rehabilitation. Officially known as HMP Featherstone, this Category C prison offers a structured environment for male offenders, blending vocational training with security measures. 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 provides a detailed exploration of Featherstone Prison’s address, telephone number, visiting procedures, transport links, and the daily experiences of its inmates, offering an essential resource for families and researchers.

Overview of Featherstone Prison

Featherstone Prison, officially HMP Featherstone, is a Category C male prison located in Featherstone, near Wolverhampton, Staffordshire. Opened in 1976, it is a relatively modern facility with a capacity of approximately 687 inmates. The prison primarily houses adult male prisoners serving medium to long-term sentences for offences such as theft, assault, or drug-related crimes, with a strong emphasis on training and resettlement to reduce reoffending.

Managed by His Majesty’s Prison Service, Featherstone is known for its vocational programmes, including workshops for engineering and construction, supported by modern facilities like classrooms and training spaces. While no high-profile inmates have been widely publicised, the prison serves a diverse population from the Midlands and beyond. Recent inspections praise its rehabilitation efforts but highlight challenges with drug use and staff shortages, positioning Featherstone as a progressive yet complex facility in the prison estate.

History of Featherstone Prison

Featherstone Prison opened in March 1976, built on a former industrial site near Wolverhampton to address prison overcrowding in the Midlands. Designed as a Category C training prison, it aimed to provide a rehabilitative environment with a focus on vocational skills. The facility’s construction was part of a 1970s push to modernise the UK’s prison estate, featuring single and double cells, workshops, and educational spaces.

Since its opening, Featherstone has expanded its training offerings, introducing programmes like construction and IT in the 1990s and 2000s. Early inspections praised its facilities but noted issues with staff retention. Upgrades in 2005 and 2018 enhanced its security and educational infrastructure, addressing concerns like contraband smuggling. A 2023 HM Inspectorate of Prisons report commended its vocational training but flagged concerns about drug use and staffing shortages. Featherstone’s history reflects its role as a modern rehabilitation hub, tempered by operational challenges in a rural setting.

Featherstone Prison Address

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

This address is verified via the GOV.UK website. The prison is located in a semi-rural area, 5 miles northeast of Wolverhampton, accessible via the A460.

Featherstone Prison Telephone Number

To contact Featherstone Prison, use the following number:

Telephone: +44 1902 703100

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.

Featherstone Prison Capacity

Featherstone Prison has an operational capacity of approximately 687 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 Featherstone Prison: Travel Directions and Transport Links

Featherstone Prison’s semi-rural location near Wolverhampton requires planning, but it is accessible by car, bus, or limited train connections, with links to Wolverhampton, Birmingham, and Stafford.

By Car

From Wolverhampton, take the A460 north to Featherstone, then follow New Road (10 minutes). From Birmingham, follow the M6 to Junction 11, then the A460 (25 minutes). From Stafford, take the A34 south, then the A460 (20 minutes). The prison is signposted off New 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 Wolverhampton Railway Station, 6 miles away (15-minute taxi or 20-minute bus ride). West Midlands Trains and Avanti West Coast operate services from Birmingham New Street (20 minutes), London Euston (2 hours), and Stafford (15 minutes). Taxis from the station cost £10–£15. Check schedules on the West Midlands Railway website.

By Bus

From Wolverhampton Bus Station, the Number 70 bus (National Express West Midlands) stops on New Road, a 5-minute walk from the prison. Buses run every 30 minutes, taking 20 minutes from Wolverhampton. Plan your journey using the National Express West Midlands website.

How to Book a Visit to Featherstone Prison

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

1. Call the Booking Line: Contact +44 1902 703100 (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.

Featherstone 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 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 Featherstone Prison: What’s It Like for Inmates?

Life at Featherstone Prison is structured to promote rehabilitation, leveraging its modern facilities. Inmates live in single or double cells across houseblocks, with access to education (e.g., literacy, IT), vocational training (e.g., engineering, construction), and work programmes. 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 65% of inmates felt safe, but drug use, particularly cannabis and Spice, and violence remain challenges, with over 150 assault incidents in 2024. Mental health support is improving but strained, with self-harm rates above average. Positive aspects include employability programmes with links to local businesses and family contact initiatives. Inmates describe a purposeful environment, with training offering a sense of achievement, though tensions from drug use and staffing shortages (down 10% in 2024) can disrupt progress.

Recent News About Featherstone Prison

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

• Vocational Training Success: In March 2025, Featherstone’s engineering programme trained 20 inmates, boosting employability. Express & Star
• Drug Smuggling Crackdown: A February 2025 operation reduced contraband smuggling, though drug issues persist. BBC Staffordshire
• Staff Shortages: A January 2025 report noted a 10% staff shortage, impacting programme delivery, with recruitment ongoing. HM Inspectorate of Prisons

These updates highlight Featherstone’s commitment to rehabilitation amid operational hurdles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Featherstone Prison

Who is held at Featherstone Prison?

Featherstone Prison 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 Featherstone, use the GOV.UK online payment service or send a postal order. Contact +44 1902 703100 for guidance. Cash is not accepted for security reasons.

Is Featherstone 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, engineering, and construction, though availability varies.

How safe is Featherstone Prison?

Safety is moderate, with 65% of inmates feeling safe in 2023. Drug use and violence are concerns, but training and security programmes are improving conditions.

HMPrisonguide.co.uk Personal Overview

At HMPrisonguide.co.uk, we believe that family support can inspire hope and change, and Featherstone Prison’s focus on rehabilitation makes these connections vital. With a capacity of 687 inmates and recent news highlighting successes in vocational training alongside challenges like drug smuggling, Featherstone is a hub of opportunity and complexity. The visiting hours (Tuesday, Thursday, and weekends) and straightforward booking process via +44 1902 703100 enable loved ones to offer support, which can transform an inmate’s journey. We hope this guide helps you plan a visit to the New Road address or connect with someone at Featherstone Prison, fostering support and rehabilitation. For more details, visit the GOV.UK website.