Liverpool Prison: A Comprehensive Guide to Merseyside’s Historic Gaol

Located in the Walton area of Liverpool, Liverpool Prison stands as one of the UK’s oldest correctional facilities, serving as a cornerstone of Merseyside’s justice system. Officially known as HMP Liverpool, this Category B prison blends Victorian architecture with modern rehabilitation efforts for a diverse male population. Whether you’re planning a visit to support a loved one, researching its storied past, or curious about life behind its walls, this guide provides a detailed exploration of Liverpool 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 Liverpool Prison

Liverpool Prison, officially HMP Liverpool, is a Category B male prison located in Walton, Liverpool, Merseyside. Established in 1855, it is one of England’s oldest operational prisons, with a capacity of approximately 1,243 inmates. The facility primarily houses adult male prisoners, including those on remand, serving short to medium-term sentences for offences such as theft, assault, or drug-related crimes, or awaiting transfer to other prisons. As a local prison, it serves the courts of Merseyside and surrounding areas.

Managed by His Majesty’s Prison Service, Liverpool Prison focuses on education, vocational training, and resettlement programmes, though its aging infrastructure poses challenges. While no high-profile inmates have been widely publicised in recent years, the prison has historically housed notable local offenders. Recent inspections highlight progress in inmate welfare but note issues with overcrowding, violence, and drug use, positioning Liverpool as a complex hub in the prison estate.

History of Liverpool Prison

Liverpool Prison, originally known as Walton Gaol, opened in 1855, designed by architect Charles James Pierce to serve the growing industrial population of Liverpool. Its Victorian radial layout, with cell blocks extending from a central hub, reflected the era’s emphasis on discipline and surveillance. Initially housing men, women, and juveniles, it became a male-only facility by the early 20th century, aligning with the city’s urban expansion.

Key moments include its role in 19th-century executions, such as that of William Kirwan in 1862, and its use as a military detention centre during World War II. The prison faced criticism in the 1980s for poor conditions, leading to refurbishments in 1995 and 2015 that added educational spaces and improved sanitation. A 2023 HM Inspectorate of Prisons report noted improvements in staff-inmate relations but flagged concerns about drug smuggling and outdated facilities. Liverpool’s history mirrors the evolution of incarceration in Merseyside, balancing tradition with modern demands.

Liverpool Prison Address

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

This address is verified via the GOV.UK website. The prison is located in an urban area, 3 miles north of Liverpool city centre, accessible via the A5058.

Liverpool Prison Telephone Number

To contact Liverpool Prison, use the following number:

Telephone: +44 151 530 6500

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.

Liverpool Prison Capacity

Liverpool Prison has an operational capacity of approximately 1,243 inmates, according to Ministry of Justice data. The facility includes single and double cells across several wings, with limited accessibility adaptations due to its historic design. Overcrowding is a persistent issue, with the prison often operating at or above capacity, as noted in recent reports.

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

Liverpool Prison’s urban location in Walton offers excellent connectivity to Liverpool city centre, Southport, and Manchester.

By Car: From Liverpool city centre, take the A5058 north to Hornby Road (10 minutes). From Southport, follow the A565 south (30 minutes). From Manchester, take the M62 west to Junction 6, then the A5058 (45 minutes). The prison is signposted off Hornby Road.

Parking: Limited on-street parking is available near Hornby Road, with pay-and-display spaces nearby. The nearest car park is at County Road Car Park (10-minute walk, £1–£3 for 2 hours). Disabled parking is scarce, so plan ahead.

By Train: The nearest station is Rice Lane Railway Station, 0.5 miles away (5-minute walk or 3-minute taxi, £4–£6). Merseyrail operates services from Liverpool Central (15 minutes) and Southport (25 minutes). Taxis are available at the station. Alternatively, Liverpool Lime Street Station (3 miles) offers wider connections. Check schedules on the Merseyrail website.

By Bus: From Liverpool city centre, the Number 20 or 21 bus (Arriva) stops on Hornby Road, a 2-minute walk from the prison. Buses run every 10 minutes, taking 15 minutes from Liverpool Queen Square Bus Station. Plan your journey using the Arriva North West website.

How to Book a Visit to Liverpool Prison

Visiting Liverpool Prison requires advance booking and strict security compliance. Follow these steps:

1. Call the Booking Line: Contact +44 151 530 6500 (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.

Liverpool 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 basic but functional, with limited refreshments. Check for holiday schedule changes or COVID-19 measures (e.g., masks).

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

Life at Liverpool Prison is fast-paced, reflecting its role as a local prison with a high turnover of inmates. Housed in single or double cells within Victorian-era wings, many of which are cramped and dated, inmates follow a routine of education (e.g., literacy, numeracy), work (e.g., cleaning, workshops), and basic resettlement programmes. Facilities include a gym, library, and chapel, but time out of cells is often limited to 4–6 hours daily due to staffing constraints.

A 2023 inspection found that 55% of inmates felt safe, with violence and drug use, particularly cannabis and Spice, posing significant challenges, with over 250 assault incidents in 2024. Mental health support is strained, with self-harm rates above average. Positive aspects include peer mentoring and family contact initiatives, which help new arrivals adjust. Inmates describe a tense, unpredictable environment where quick adaptation is key, but those engaged in education or work find some stability, despite the strain of aging infrastructure.

Recent News About Liverpool Prison

Liverpool Prison has been in the news in 2025 for operational challenges and improvements:

• Resettlement Programme Success: In March 2025, Liverpool’s employment programme placed 20 inmates in jobs post-release, earning local praise. Liverpool Echo
• Drug Smuggling Crackdown: A February 2025 operation reduced contraband smuggling, though drug issues persist. BBC Merseyside
• Overcrowding Concerns: A January 2025 inspection noted the prison at 108% capacity, urging infrastructure upgrades. HM Inspectorate of Prisons

These updates reflect Liverpool’s efforts to balance security and rehabilitation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Liverpool Prison

Who is held at Liverpool Prison?

Liverpool Prison houses adult male prisoners, including those on remand, serving short to medium-term sentences, or awaiting transfer.

How can I send money to an inmate?

Supporting an inmate financially is a common concern. At Liverpool, use the GOV.UK online payment service or send a postal order. Contact +44 151 530 6500 for guidance. Cash is not accepted for security reasons.

Is Liverpool Prison accessible?

Accessibility is limited due to the historic building, but ground-floor access and support can be arranged. Contact staff when booking to discuss needs.

What programmes are available for inmates?

Inmates can access education, work, and resettlement programmes, including literacy, maintenance, and pre-release support, though availability varies.

How safe is Liverpool Prison?

Safety is a challenge, with violence and drug use reported in 2023. Recent security measures and mentoring programmes aim to improve conditions.

HMPrisonguide.co.uk Personal Overview

At HMPrisonguide.co.uk, we believe that family connections can be a lifeline for inmates, and Liverpool Prison’s central role in Merseyside makes these ties essential. With a capacity of 1,243 inmates and recent news highlighting successes in resettlement alongside challenges like overcrowding, Liverpool is a dynamic facility. The visiting hours (Tuesday, Thursday, and weekends) and straightforward booking process via +44 151 530 6500 enable loved ones to offer support, which can inspire hope and change. We hope this guide helps you plan a visit to the Hornby Road address or connect with someone at Liverpool Prison, fostering bonds that matter. For more details, visit the GOV.UK website.