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

Located in the rural area of Featherstone, near Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, Oakwood Prison serves as a key facility in the UK’s prison system, focusing on rehabilitation for male offenders. Officially known as HMP Oakwood, this Category C prison, operated privately by G4S, offers a structured environment with an emphasis on training and resettlement. 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 Oakwood 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 Oakwood Prison

Oakwood Prison, officially HMP Oakwood, is a Category C male prison located in Featherstone, near Wolverhampton, Staffordshire. Opened in 2012, it is one of the UK’s newest prisons, with a capacity of approximately 1,605 inmates, making it one of the largest in the country. The facility primarily houses adult male prisoners serving medium to long-term sentences for offences such as theft, assault, or drug-related crimes, with a focus on rehabilitation through education and vocational training.

Managed by G4S on behalf of His Majesty’s Prison Service, Oakwood is known for its modern facilities and extensive programmes, including workshops for construction, catering, and IT. While no high-profile inmates have been widely publicised, the prison serves a diverse population from the West Midlands and beyond. Recent inspections praise its training opportunities but highlight challenges with drug use and staff shortages, positioning Oakwood as a dynamic yet complex facility.

History of Oakwood Prison

Oakwood Prison opened in April 2012, built as a privately managed prison by G4S to address prison overcrowding in the West Midlands. Designed with modern security and rehabilitation spaces, it features single and double cells, advanced workshops, and educational facilities. The prison’s construction was part of a 2010s initiative to expand and modernise the UK’s prison estate through private sector involvement.

Key milestones include the rapid expansion of its vocational training programmes in the 2010s and improvements to its security systems following early criticism. Inspections in the early years noted challenges with staff training under private management, leading to enhancements in 2015 and 2018. A 2023 HM Inspectorate of Prisons report commended its resettlement programmes but flagged concerns about drug smuggling and staffing shortages. Oakwood’s relatively short history reflects its role as a modern, privately run prison, balancing rehabilitation with operational complexities.

Oakwood Prison Address

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

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

Oakwood Prison Telephone Number

To contact Oakwood Prison, use the following number:

Telephone: +44 1902 799700

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.

Oakwood Prison Capacity

Oakwood Prison has an operational capacity of approximately 1,605 inmates, according to Ministry of Justice data. The facility includes single and double cells across several houseblocks, with accessibility adaptations for some inmates. Its large capacity supports its role as a training prison, though overcrowding has been reported during peak periods.

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

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

By Car: From Wolverhampton, take the A460 east to Oaks Drive (10 minutes). From Stafford, follow the A449 south, then the A460 (20 minutes). From Birmingham, take the M6 north to Junction 11, then the A460 (25 minutes). The prison is signposted off Oaks Drive.

Parking: Free on-site parking is available for visitors, including disabled spaces. The car park is adjacent to the visitor centre, with ample spaces even during peak hours.

By Train: The nearest station is Wolverhampton Railway Station, 5 miles away (15-minute taxi or 20-minute bus ride). West Midlands Railway and Avanti West Coast operate services from Stafford (15 minutes), Birmingham New Street (20 minutes), and London Euston (2 hours). Taxis from the station cost £8–£12. Check schedules on the West Midlands Railway website.

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

How to Book a Visit to Oakwood Prison

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

1. Call the Booking Line: Contact +44 1902 799700 (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.

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

Life at Oakwood Prison is structured to balance rehabilitation and security, 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., construction, catering), 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 200 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 Oakwood Prison

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

• Vocational Training Success: In March 2025, Oakwood’s catering training programme placed 20 inmates in jobs post-release. 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 Oakwood’s commitment to rehabilitation amid operational hurdles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oakwood Prison

Who is held at Oakwood Prison?

Oakwood 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 Oakwood, use the GOV.UK online payment service or send a postal order. Contact +44 1902 799700 for guidance. Cash is not accepted for security reasons.

Is Oakwood 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, construction, and catering, though availability varies.

How safe is Oakwood 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 Oakwood Prison’s focus on rehabilitation makes these connections vital. With a capacity of 1,605 inmates and recent news highlighting successes in vocational training alongside challenges like drug smuggling, Oakwood is a hub of opportunity and complexity. The visiting hours (Tuesday, Thursday, and weekends) and straightforward booking process via +44 1902 799700 enable loved ones to offer support, which can transform an inmate’s journey. We hope this guide helps you plan a visit to the Oaks Drive address or connect with someone at Oakwood Prison, fostering support and rehabilitation. For more details, visit the GOV.UK website.