Portland Prison: A Comprehensive Guide to Dorset’s Young Offender Institution

Located on the scenic Isle of Portland, Dorset, Portland Prison serves as a key facility in the UK’s prison system, dedicated to young male offenders. Officially known as HMP/YOI Portland, this Category C and young offender institution (YOI) focuses on rehabilitation for young men aged 18–21, offering a structured environment to address offending behaviour. Whether you’re arranging 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 Portland 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 Portland Prison

Portland Prison, officially HMP/YOI Portland, is a Category C and young offender institution located on the Isle of Portland, Dorset. Established in 1848, it is one of England’s older prisons, with a capacity of approximately 530 inmates. The facility primarily houses young male offenders aged 18–21 serving detention and training orders or longer sentences for offences such as theft, violence, or drug-related crimes, with some adult male prisoners included. Its focus is on education and behaviour management to reduce reoffending.

Managed by His Majesty’s Prison Service, Portland is known for its tailored programmes for young offenders, including education, vocational training, and therapeutic interventions, supported by facilities like classrooms and workshops. While no high-profile inmates have been widely publicised, the prison serves a diverse population from the South West. Recent inspections praise its educational offerings but highlight challenges with violence, mental health support, and staff shortages, positioning Portland as a critical yet complex facility.

History of Portland Prison

Portland Prison opened in 1848 as a convict prison, designed by architect Joshua Jebb to house male prisoners working on the construction of Portland’s breakwater. Its Victorian design, with cell blocks and a central hub, reflected the era’s emphasis on discipline. Initially a male prison, it was re-roled in the 1980s to focus on young offenders, reflecting the need for dedicated YOI facilities.

Key moments include its role in 19th-century penal labour and the introduction of rehabilitation programmes in the 1990s. Inspections in the 1980s noted poor conditions, leading to refurbishments in 1995 and 2015 that modernised facilities. A 2023 HM Inspectorate of Prisons report commended its education programmes but flagged high levels of violence and staffing challenges. Portland’s history reflects its evolution from a labour-focused gaol to a modern YOI, balancing rehabilitation with security.

Portland Prison Address

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

This address is verified via the GOV.UK website. The prison is located on the Isle of Portland, 5 miles south of Weymouth, accessible via the A354.

Portland Prison Telephone Number

To contact Portland Prison, use the following number:

Telephone: +44 1305 824600

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.

Portland Prison Capacity

Portland Prison has an operational capacity of approximately 530 inmates, according to Ministry of Justice data. The facility includes single and double cells across several residential units, with some accessibility adaptations for young inmates. Its capacity supports its focus on tailored rehabilitation, though space constraints can occur during peak periods.

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

Portland Prison’s coastal location on the Isle of Portland requires planning, but it is accessible by car, bus, or train, with links to Weymouth, Dorchester, and Bournemouth.

By Car: From Weymouth, take the A354 south to the Isle of Portland (15 minutes). From Dorchester, follow the A354 south (20 minutes). From Bournemouth, take the A35 west, then the A354 (40 minutes). The prison is signposted off The Grove.

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 Weymouth Railway Station, 5 miles away (15-minute taxi or 20-minute bus ride). South Western Railway operates services from Dorchester (15 minutes), Bournemouth (45 minutes), and London Waterloo (3 hours). Taxis from the station cost £8–£12. Check schedules on the South Western Railway website.

By Bus: From Weymouth, the Number 1 bus (First Wessex) stops on The Grove, a 2-minute walk from the prison. Buses run every 20 minutes, taking 20 minutes from Weymouth Railway Station. Plan your journey using the First Wessex website.

How to Book a Visit to Portland Prison

Visiting Portland Prison requires advance booking and strict security compliance due to its young offender population. Follow these steps:

1. Call the Booking Line: Contact +44 1305 824600 (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 20 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 family-friendly facilities.

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

Portland 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 welcoming, with a play area and refreshments for families. Check for holiday schedule changes or COVID-19 measures (e.g., masks).

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

Life at Portland Prison is intense, reflecting the needs of its young and often vulnerable population. Inmates live in single or double cells across residential units, with access to education (e.g., English, maths, IT), vocational training (e.g., construction, catering), and behaviour programmes like anger management. Facilities include a gym, library, and sports areas, but time out of cells is often limited to 4–6 hours daily due to staff shortages.

A 2023 inspection found that 55% of inmates felt safe, with violence, particularly gang-related, and drug use (e.g., cannabis, Spice) posing significant challenges, with over 200 assault incidents in 2024. Mental health support is strained, with high self-harm rates (over 250 incidents in 2024). Positive aspects include peer mentoring and family contact initiatives, which help young inmates adjust. Inmates describe a high-energy environment where tensions run high, but those engaged in education or training find purpose, though consistency depends on staff availability.

Recent News About Portland Prison

Portland Prison has been in the news in 2025 for both challenges and progress:

• Educational Success: In March 2025, a new IT training programme saw 15 inmates gain qualifications, boosting employability. Dorset Echo
• Violence Concerns: A February 2025 inspection reported a rise in gang-related assaults, prompting new security protocols. BBC Dorset
• Staff Shortages: A January 2025 report noted a 12% staff shortage, impacting programme delivery, with recruitment ongoing. HM Inspectorate of Prisons

These updates reflect Portland’s efforts to balance rehabilitation with security.

Frequently Asked Questions About Portland Prison

Who is held at Portland Prison?

Portland Prison houses young male offenders (18–21) and some adult males serving sentences or on remand in Category C conditions.

How can I send money to an inmate?

Supporting an inmate financially is a frequent concern. At Portland, use the GOV.UK online payment service or send a postal order. Contact +44 1305 824600 for guidance. Cash is not accepted for security reasons.

Is Portland 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 access education, vocational training, and behaviour programmes, including IT, construction, and anger management, though availability varies.

How safe is Portland Prison?

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

HMPrisonguide.co.uk Personal Overview

At HMPrisonguide.co.uk, we know that family support can be a lifeline for young offenders, and Portland Prison’s focus on rehabilitation makes these connections vital. With a capacity of 530 inmates and recent news highlighting progress in IT training alongside challenges like violence, Portland is a dynamic facility. The visiting hours (Tuesday, Thursday, and weekends) and straightforward booking process via +44 1305 824600 enable loved ones to offer hope, which can transform a young person’s journey. We hope this guide helps you plan a visit to the The Grove address or connect with someone at Portland Prison, fostering support and change. For more details, visit the GOV.UK website.