Hollesley Bay Prison: Address, Telephone Number, Visits

Hollesley Bay Prison: A Comprehensive Guide to Suffolk’s Open Prison

Situated in the serene coastal countryside near Woodbridge, Suffolk, Hollesley Bay Prison stands as a unique open prison dedicated to preparing male offenders for reintegration into society. Officially known as HMP Hollesley Bay, this Category D facility offers a progressive environment with greater freedom and community-focused rehabilitation. 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 Hollesley Bay 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 Hollesley Bay Prison

Hollesley Bay Prison, officially HMP Hollesley Bay, is a Category D open prison for adult male prisoners located in Hollesley, near Woodbridge, Suffolk. Established in 1938 as a borstal, it transitioned to an open prison in the 1980s, with a capacity of approximately 480 inmates. The facility primarily accommodates men 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) for community work.

Managed by His Majesty’s Prison Service, Hollesley Bay is known for its open conditions, allowing inmates to work in local businesses and engage in community projects. Its facilities include workshops, classrooms, and a farm, fostering practical skills. While no high-profile inmates have been widely publicised, the prison serves a diverse population from East Anglia and beyond. Recent inspections praise its supportive environment but highlight challenges with drug use and staff retention, positioning Hollesley Bay as a vital part of the prison estate.

History of Hollesley Bay Prison

Hollesley Bay Prison began in 1938 as a borstal, established on a former agricultural estate to provide a rehabilitative environment for young male offenders. In the 1980s, it was re-roled as a Category D open prison for adult males, reflecting the need for resettlement-focused facilities. The transition introduced open conditions, allowing inmates to engage in community work through ROTL, a pioneering approach at the time.

Key milestones include the expansion of its farm and horticulture programmes in the 1990s and the introduction of employability training in the 2000s. Inspections in the 1980s praised its progressive ethos but noted issues with aging 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 drug use and staffing challenges. Hollesley Bay’s history reflects its evolution as a leading open prison, balancing freedom with responsibility.

Hollesley Bay Prison Address

The most up-to-date address for Hollesley Bay Prison is:

HMP Hollesley Bay
Hollesley
Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 3JW
United Kingdom

This address is verified via the GOV.UK website. The prison is located in a rural coastal area, 7 miles east of Woodbridge, accessible via the B1083.

Hollesley Bay Prison Telephone Number

To contact Hollesley Bay Prison, use the following number:

Telephone: +44 1394 411900

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.

Hollesley Bay Prison Capacity

Hollesley Bay Prison has an operational capacity of approximately 480 inmates, according to Ministry of Justice data. The facility includes single and shared accommodation across several residential units, with accessibility adaptations for some inmates. Its capacity supports its open prison model, fostering a community-like atmosphere.

How to Get to Hollesley Bay Prison: Travel Directions and Transport Links

Hollesley Bay Prison’s rural coastal location near Woodbridge requires planning, but it is accessible by car, bus, or limited train connections, with links to Ipswich, Felixstowe, and Colchester.

By Car

From Woodbridge, take the B1083 east to Hollesley (15 minutes). From Ipswich, follow the A12 south, then the B1083 (20 minutes). From Felixstowe, take the A14 west, then the B1083 (25 minutes). The prison is signposted off the B1083.

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 Melton Railway Station, 5 miles away (10-minute taxi). Greater Anglia operates services from Ipswich (10 minutes), London Liverpool Street (1.5 hours via Ipswich), and Colchester (30 minutes). Taxis from the station cost £8–£12. Check schedules on the Greater Anglia website.

By Bus

From Woodbridge or Ipswich, the Number 71 bus (First Bus) stops in Hollesley, a 5-minute walk from the prison. Buses run hourly, taking 20 minutes from Woodbridge. Plan your journey using the First Bus Eastern Counties website.

How to Book a Visit to Hollesley Bay Prison

Visiting Hollesley Bay Prison requires advance booking, with a more relaxed security process due to its open conditions. Follow these steps:

Call the Booking Line: Contact +44 1394 411900 (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 waiting area and basic facilities.

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

Hollesley Bay 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 basic refreshments available. Check for holiday schedule changes or COVID-19 measures (e.g., masks).

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

Life at Hollesley Bay Prison is structured to promote rehabilitation, leveraging its open conditions and coastal setting. Inmates live in single or shared accommodation 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. The prison’s farm and workshops 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 UK prisons, though drug use, particularly cannabis, remains a challenge, with around 60 incidents of contraband in 2024. Mental health support is improving but limited by staffing shortages (down 8% in 2024). Positive aspects include ROTL, family contact programmes, and community work, which help inmates maintain ties. Inmates describe a supportive, less restrictive environment, with work opportunities offering hope, though adjusting to open conditions can be challenging for some.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hollesley Bay Prison

Who is held at Hollesley Bay Prison?

Hollesley Bay Prison houses adult male prisoners serving medium to long-term sentences in Category D open conditions, with a focus on resettlement.

How can I send money to an inmate?

Supporting an inmate financially is a common concern. At Hollesley Bay, use the GOV.UK online payment service or send a postal order. Contact +44 1394 411900 for guidance. Cash is not accepted for security reasons.

Is Hollesley Bay 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 Hollesley Bay Prison?

Safety is strong, with 85% of inmates feeling safe in 2023. Drug use is a concern, but support programmes are improving conditions.

HMPrisonguide.co.uk Personal Overview

At HMPrisonguide.co.uk, we believe that family support can inspire hope and change, and Hollesley Bay Prison’s open conditions make these connections vital for rehabilitation. With a capacity of 480 inmates and recent news highlighting successes in ROTL and horticulture alongside staffing challenges, Hollesley Bay is a hub of opportunity. The visiting hours (Tuesday, Thursday, and weekends) and straightforward booking process via +44 1394 411900 enable loved ones to offer support, which can transform an inmate’s journey. We hope this guide helps you plan a visit to the Hollesley address or connect with someone at Hollesley Bay Prison, fostering support and rehabilitation. For more details, visit the GOV.UK website.