Risley Prison: A Comprehensive Guide to Cheshire’s Male Facility

Located in the semi-rural area of Risley, near Warrington, Cheshire, Risley Prison serves as a key facility in the UK’s prison system, focusing on rehabilitation for male offenders. Officially known as HMP Risley, this Category C prison 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 Risley 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 Risley Prison

Risley Prison, officially HMP Risley, is a Category C male prison located in Risley, near Warrington, Cheshire. Opened in 1964, it has a capacity of approximately 1,085 inmates. 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 His Majesty’s Prison Service, Risley is known for its vocational programmes, including construction, catering, and IT, supported by modern facilities like workshops and classrooms. While no high-profile inmates have been widely publicised, the prison serves a diverse population from the North West and beyond. Recent inspections praise its training opportunities but highlight challenges with drug use and staff shortages, positioning Risley as a dynamic yet complex facility.

History of Risley Prison

Risley Prison opened in 1964, built on a former industrial site to address prison overcrowding in the North West. Designed as a Category C prison, it incorporated modern security and rehabilitation spaces, featuring single and double cells, workshops, and educational facilities. The prison’s construction was part of a 1960s initiative to modernise the UK’s prison estate.

Key milestones include the introduction of employability programmes in the 1990s and the expansion of vocational training in the 2000s. Early inspections praised its modern infrastructure but noted issues with staff retention. Upgrades in 2005 and 2018 enhanced its security and educational facilities, addressing concerns like contraband smuggling. A 2023 HM Inspectorate of Prisons report commended its resettlement programmes but flagged drug use and staffing challenges. Risley’s history reflects its role as a modern hub for rehabilitation, tempered by operational complexities.

Risley Prison Address

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

This address is verified via the GOV.UK website. The prison is located in a semi-rural area, 3 miles east of Warrington, accessible via the A574.

Risley Prison Telephone Number

To contact Risley Prison, use the following number:

Telephone: +44 1925 733000

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.

Risley Prison Capacity

Risley Prison has an operational capacity of approximately 1,085 inmates, according to Ministry of Justice data. The facility includes single and double cells across several houseblocks, with some accessibility adaptations. Its capacity supports its role as a training prison, though overcrowding has been reported during peak periods.

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

Risley Prison’s semi-rural location near Warrington offers good connectivity to Warrington, Manchester, and Liverpool.

By Car: From Warrington, take the A574 east to Warrington Road (10 minutes). From Manchester, follow the M62 west to Junction 11, then the A574 (20 minutes). From Liverpool, take the M62 east to Junction 11, then the A574 (25 minutes). The prison is signposted off Warrington Road.

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 Birchwood Railway Station, 2 miles away (5-minute taxi or 10-minute bus ride). Northern Rail operates services from Warrington (10 minutes), Manchester Piccadilly (20 minutes), and Liverpool Lime Street (30 minutes). Taxis from the station cost £5–£8. Check schedules on the Northern Rail website.

By Bus: From Warrington, the Number 28 or 28A bus (Warrington’s Own Buses) stops near Warrington Road, a 5-minute walk from the prison. Buses run every 15 minutes, taking 10 minutes from Warrington Bus Station. Plan your journey using the Warrington’s Own Buses website.

How to Book a Visit to Risley Prison

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

1. Call the Booking Line: Contact +44 1925 733000 (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.

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

Life at Risley 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 150 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 Risley Prison

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

• Vocational Training Success: In March 2025, Risley’s catering training programme placed 20 inmates in jobs post-release. Warrington Guardian
• Drug Smuggling Crackdown: A February 2025 operation reduced contraband smuggling, though drug issues persist. BBC Manchester
• Staff Shortages: A January 2025 report noted a 10% staff shortage, impacting programme delivery, with recruitment ongoing. HM Inspectorate of Prisons

These updates highlight Risley’s commitment to rehabilitation amid operational hurdles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Risley Prison

Who is held at Risley Prison?

Risley 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 Risley, use the GOV.UK online payment service or send a postal order. Contact +44 1925 733000 for guidance. Cash is not accepted for security reasons.

Is Risley 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 Risley 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 Risley Prison’s focus on rehabilitation makes these connections vital. With a capacity of 1,085 inmates and recent news highlighting successes in vocational training alongside challenges like drug smuggling, Risley is a hub of opportunity and complexity. The visiting hours (Tuesday, Thursday, and weekends) and straightforward booking process via +44 1925 733000 enable loved ones to offer support, which can transform an inmate’s journey. We hope this guide helps you plan a visit to the Warrington Road address or connect with someone at Risley Prison, fostering support and rehabilitation. For more details, visit the GOV.UK website.