Spring Hill Prison: Address, Telephone Number, Visits

Spring Hill Prison: A Comprehensive Guide to Buckinghamshire’s Open Prison

Nestled in the rural countryside near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, Spring Hill Prison serves as a unique open prison dedicated to preparing male offenders for reintegration into society. Officially known as HMP Spring Hill, this Category D facility offers a progressive environment with greater freedom and community-focused rehabilitation. Whether you’re planning 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 Spring Hill 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 Spring Hill Prison

Spring Hill Prison, officially HMP Spring Hill, is a Category D open prison for adult male prisoners located in Grendon Underwood, near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. Established in 1953, it has a capacity of approximately 335 inmates. The facility primarily accommodates men serving medium to long-term sentences for offences such as theft, fraud, or drug-related crimes, with a strong focus on resettlement through education, vocational training, and Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) for community work.

Managed by His Majesty’s Prison Service, Spring Hill is known for its open conditions, allowing inmates to work in local businesses and engage in community projects. Its facilities include workshops, classrooms, and a farm, fostering practical skills. While no high-profile inmates have been widely publicised, the prison serves a diverse population from the South East and beyond. Recent inspections praise its supportive environment but highlight challenges with drug use and staff retention, positioning Spring Hill as a vital part of the prison estate.

History of Spring Hill Prison

Spring Hill Prison opened in 1953 as an open prison, built on a former military site to provide a rehabilitative environment for male offenders. Its open conditions were designed to prepare inmates for release, a progressive approach for the time. The facility’s construction was part of a 1950s push to modernise the UK’s prison estate, featuring single and shared accommodation, workshops, and training spaces.

Key milestones include the introduction of ROTL in the 1960s, enabling inmates to work in the community, and the expansion of vocational training in the 1990s, including farming and horticulture programmes. Inspections in the 1980s praised its progressive ethos but noted issues with infrastructure. Upgrades in 2005 and 2018 enhanced its educational facilities and security, addressing concerns like contraband smuggling. A 2023 HM Inspectorate of Prisons report commended its resettlement programmes but flagged drug use and staffing challenges. Spring Hill’s history reflects its evolution as a leading open prison, balancing freedom with responsibility.

Spring Hill Prison Address

The most up-to-date address for Spring Hill Prison is:

HMP Spring Hill
Grendon Underwood
Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0TL
United Kingdom

This address is verified via the GOV.UK website. The prison is located in a rural area, 5 miles northwest of Aylesbury, accessible via the A41.

Spring Hill Prison Telephone Number

To contact Spring Hill Prison, use the following number:

Telephone: +44 1296 445000

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.

Spring Hill Prison Capacity

Spring Hill Prison has an operational capacity of approximately 335 inmates, according to Ministry of Justice data. The facility includes single and shared accommodation across several residential units, with accessibility adaptations for some inmates. Its smaller capacity supports its open prison model, fostering a community-like atmosphere.

How to Get to Spring Hill Prison: Travel Directions and Transport Links

Spring Hill Prison’s rural location near Aylesbury requires planning, but it is accessible by car, bus, or limited train connections, with links to Aylesbury, Oxford, and Milton Keynes.

By Car: From Aylesbury, take the A41 northwest to Grendon Underwood (10 minutes). From Oxford, follow the A41 north (25 minutes). From Milton Keynes, take the A5 south, then the A41 (20 minutes). The prison is signposted off the A41.

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 Aylesbury Vale Parkway Railway Station, 4 miles away (10-minute taxi). Chiltern Railways operates services from Oxford (20 minutes) and London Marylebone (1 hour). Taxis from the station cost £6–£10. Alternatively, Aylesbury Station (5 miles) offers wider connections. Check schedules on the Chiltern Railways website.

By Bus: From Aylesbury, the Number 16 or 17 bus (Arriva) stops in Grendon Underwood, a 5-minute walk from the prison. Buses run hourly, taking 15 minutes from Aylesbury Bus Station. Plan your journey using the Arriva South East website.

How to Book a Visit to Spring Hill Prison

Visiting Spring Hill Prison requires advance booking, with a more relaxed security process due to its open conditions. Follow these steps:

Call the Booking Line: Contact +44 1296 445000 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM). Provide the inmate’s name, prison number, and desired visit date.
Online Booking: Use the GOV.UK prison visit booking service. Register and submit your request up to 14 days in advance.
Identification: Adults (18+) must present photo ID (e.g., passport, driving licence). Children need a birth certificate. Arrive 15 minutes early for security checks, which are less stringent than in closed prisons but include searches.
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.

Spring Hill 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 1–2 hours, with longer sessions for legal meetings. The visitor centre is welcoming, with basic refreshments available. Check for holiday schedule changes or COVID-19 measures (e.g., masks).

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

Life at Spring Hill Prison is structured to promote rehabilitation, leveraging its open conditions and rural setting. Inmates live in single or shared accommodation across residential units, with access to education (e.g., literacy, IT), vocational training (e.g., farming, horticulture), and work programmes, including ROTL opportunities in local businesses. The prison’s farm and workshops are standouts, offering practical skills. Facilities include a gym, library, and extensive grounds, with 8–10 hours of daily out-of-cell time, reflecting its open status.

A 2023 inspection found that 85% of inmates felt safe, one of the highest rates among UK prisons, though drug use, particularly cannabis, remains a challenge, with around 60 incidents of contraband in 2024. Mental health support is improving but limited by staffing shortages (down 8% in 2024). Positive aspects include ROTL, family contact programmes, and community work, which help inmates maintain ties. Inmates describe a supportive, less restrictive environment, with work opportunities offering hope, though adjusting to open conditions can be challenging for some.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spring Hill Prison

Who is held at Spring Hill Prison?

Spring Hill Prison houses adult male prisoners serving medium to long-term sentences in Category D open conditions, with a focus on resettlement.

How can I send money to an inmate?

Supporting an inmate financially is a common concern. At Spring Hill, use the GOV.UK online payment service or send a postal order. Contact +44 1296 445000 for guidance. Cash is not accepted for security reasons.

Is Spring Hill 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, farming, and ROTL opportunities, though availability varies.

How safe is Spring Hill Prison?

Safety is strong, with 85% of inmates feeling safe in 2023. Drug use is a concern, but support programmes are improving conditions.

HMPrisonguide.co.uk Personal Overview

At HMPrisonguide.co.uk, we believe that family support can inspire hope and change, and Spring Hill Prison’s open conditions make these connections vital for rehabilitation. With a capacity of 335 inmates and recent news highlighting successes in ROTL and horticulture alongside staffing challenges, Spring Hill is a hub of opportunity. The visiting hours (Tuesday, Thursday, and weekends) and straightforward booking process via +44 1296 445000 enable loved ones to offer support, which can transform an inmate’s journey. We hope this guide helps you plan a visit to the Grendon Underwood address or connect with someone at Spring Hill Prison, fostering support and rehabilitation. For more details, visit the GOV.UK website.