Long Lartin Prison: A Comprehensive Guide to Worcestershire’s High-Security Fortress

Located in the rural village of South Littleton, Worcestershire, Long Lartin Prison stands as one of the UK’s most secure correctional facilities, designed for high-risk male offenders. Officially known as HMP Long Lartin, this Category A prison combines stringent security with rehabilitation efforts, serving a unique role in the justice system. Whether you’re planning a visit to support a loved one, researching its significant history, or curious about life behind its fortified walls, this guide provides a detailed exploration of Long Lartin 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 Long Lartin Prison

Long Lartin Prison, officially HMP Long Lartin, is a Category A high-security prison for adult male prisoners located in South Littleton, near Evesham, Worcestershire. Opened in 1971, it has a capacity of approximately 622 inmates. The facility primarily houses prisoners serving long-term or life sentences for serious offences, such as murder, terrorism, or organised crime, including those requiring maximum-security conditions.

Managed by His Majesty’s Prison Service, Long Lartin is known for its advanced security measures and rehabilitation programmes, including education, vocational training, and therapeutic interventions. Notable inmates have included Ian Brady, the Moors murderer, and other high-risk offenders. Recent inspections praise its structured environment but highlight challenges with mental health support and staff shortages, positioning Long Lartin as a critical yet complex high-security facility.

History of Long Lartin Prison

Long Lartin Prison opened in 1971, built on a former agricultural site to address the need for high-security facilities in the Midlands. Designed with advanced security features, including fortified walls and surveillance systems, it was intended to house the UK’s most dangerous offenders. The prison’s construction was part of a 1970s initiative to modernise the prison estate, moving away from older, less secure facilities.

Key moments include a 1990 riot that prompted security upgrades and the introduction of therapeutic programmes in the 2000s. Further improvements in 2005 and 2018 enhanced its educational and security infrastructure, addressing issues like contraband smuggling. A 2023 HM Inspectorate of Prisons report commended its rehabilitation efforts but flagged concerns about mental health support and staffing challenges. Long Lartin’s history reflects its evolution as a high-security hub, balancing stringent control with rehabilitation.

Long Lartin Prison Address

The most up-to-date address for Long Lartin Prison is:

This address is verified via the GOV.UK website. The prison is located in a rural area, 3 miles north of Evesham, accessible via the B4088.

Long Lartin Prison Telephone Number

To contact Long Lartin Prison, use the following number:

Telephone: +44 1386 833100

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.

Long Lartin Prison Capacity

Long Lartin Prison has an operational capacity of approximately 622 inmates, according to Ministry of Justice data. The facility includes single cells across several high-security units, with some accessibility adaptations. Its capacity supports its role as a maximum-security prison, though space constraints can occur due to its specialised population.

How to Get to Long Lartin Prison: Travel Directions and Transport Links

Long Lartin Prison’s rural location near Evesham requires planning, but it is accessible by car, bus, or limited train connections, with links to Evesham, Worcester, and Cheltenham.

By Car: From Evesham, take the B4088 north to South Littleton (10 minutes). From Worcester, follow the A44 south, then the B4088 (25 minutes). From Cheltenham, take the A46 north, then the B4088 (30 minutes). The prison is signposted off the B4088.

Parking: Free on-site parking is available for visitors, including disabled spaces. The car park is Amend

By Train: The nearest station is Evesham Railway Station, 3 miles away (10-minute taxi). Great Western Railway operates services from Worcester (20 minutes), Cheltenham Spa (25 minutes), and London Paddington (2 hours via Worcester). Taxis from the station cost £6–£10. Check schedules on the GWR website.

By Bus: From Evesham, the Number 247 or 540 bus (Stagecoach) stops in South Littleton, a 5-minute walk from the prison. Buses run hourly, taking 15 minutes from Evesham Bus Station. Plan your journey using the Stagecoach website.

How to Book a Visit to Long Lartin Prison

Visiting Long Lartin Prison requires advance booking and strict security compliance due to its high-security status. Follow these steps:

1. Call the Booking Line: Contact +44 1386 833100 (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 28 days in advance due to enhanced security checks.
3. Identification: Adults (18+) must present photo ID (e.g., passport, driving licence). Children need a birth certificate. Arrive 30 minutes early for rigorous security checks, including searches and drug detection dogs.
4. Special Requirements: Request accessible facilities or child support when booking. The visitor centre offers a secure waiting area with basic facilities.

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

Long Lartin 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 secure and functional, with limited refreshments. Check for holiday schedule changes or COVID-19 measures (e.g., masks).

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

Life at Long Lartin Prison is highly structured, reflecting its role as a high-security facility. Inmates live in single cells within fortified units, with access to education (e.g., literacy, IT), vocational training (e.g., engineering, catering), and therapeutic programmes for behavioural issues. Facilities include a gym, library, and limited outdoor areas, with 4–6 hours of daily out-of-cell time due to strict security protocols.

A 2023 inspection found that 60% of inmates felt safe, with violence and drug use, particularly Spice, posing challenges, with over 150 incidents of contraband in 2024. Mental health support is a priority but strained, with high self-harm rates due to the prison’s high-risk population. Positive aspects include therapeutic interventions and family contact programmes, which help inmates maintain ties. Inmates describe a controlled environment, with rehabilitation offering hope, though the high-security setting can feel isolating.

Recent News About Long Lartin Prison

Long Lartin Prison has been in the news in 2025 for its high-security operations and rehabilitation efforts:

• Therapeutic Programme Success: In March 2025, Long Lartin’s therapy programme saw 15 inmates complete a course, reducing reoffending risks. Evesham Journal
• Drug Smuggling Crackdown: A February 2025 operation reduced contraband smuggling, though drug issues persist. BBC Hereford & Worcester
• Staff Shortages: A January 2025 report noted a 10% staff shortage, impacting programme delivery, with recruitment ongoing. HM Inspectorate of Prisons

These updates highlight Long Lartin’s commitment to rehabilitation amid high-security challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions About Long Lartin Prison

Who is held at Long Lartin Prison?

Long Lartin Prison houses adult male prisoners serving long-term or life sentences for serious offences in Category A high-security conditions.

How can I send money to an inmate?

Supporting an inmate financially is a common concern. At Long Lartin, use the GOV.UK online payment service or send a postal order. Contact +44 1386 833100 for guidance. Cash is not accepted for security reasons.

Is Long Lartin Prison accessible?

Yes, it offers ramps, accessible toilets, and parking, though accessibility is limited by its high-security design. Request accommodations when booking.

What programmes are available for inmates?

Inmates access education, vocational training, and therapeutic programmes, including IT, engineering, and behavioural therapy, though availability varies.

How safe is Long Lartin Prison?

Safety is moderate, with 60% of inmates feeling safe in 2023. Violence and drug use are concerns, but therapeutic and security programmes are improving conditions.

HMPrisonguide.co.uk Personal Overview

At HMPrisonguide.co.uk, we believe that family support can inspire hope, even in a high-security setting like Long Lartin Prison. With a capacity of 622 inmates and recent news highlighting successes in therapy alongside challenges like drug smuggling, Long Lartin is a complex facility. The visiting hours (Tuesday, Thursday, and weekends) and secure booking process via +44 1386 833100 enable loved ones to offer support, which can be transformative. We hope this guide helps you plan a visit to the South Littleton address or connect with someone at Long Lartin Prison, fostering support and change. For more details, visit the GOV.UK website.