Swinfen Hall Prison: A Comprehensive Guide to Staffordshire’s Young Offender Institution

Located in the rural area of Swinfen, near Lichfield, Staffordshire, Swinfen Hall Prison serves as a key facility in the UK’s prison system, dedicated to young male offenders. Officially known as HMP/YOI Swinfen Hall, this Category C and young offender institution (YOI) focuses on rehabilitation for young men aged 18–25, 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 Swinfen Hall 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 Swinfen Hall Prison

Swinfen Hall Prison, officially HMP/YOI Swinfen Hall, is a Category C and young offender institution located in Swinfen, near Lichfield, Staffordshire. Established in 1963, it has a capacity of approximately 624 inmates. The facility primarily houses young male offenders aged 18–25 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, Swinfen Hall 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 West Midlands and beyond. Recent inspections praise its educational offerings but highlight challenges with violence, mental health support, and staff shortages, positioning Swinfen Hall as a critical yet complex facility.

History of Swinfen Hall Prison

Swinfen Hall Prison opened in 1963 as a borstal, built on a former country estate to provide a rehabilitative environment for young male offenders. Its design incorporated rehabilitation spaces, with single and double cells, workshops, and educational facilities. It transitioned to a YOI in the 1980s, reflecting the need for dedicated facilities for young offenders, and later included adult prisoners.

Key milestones include the introduction of behaviour-focused programmes in the 1990s and expansions to its educational facilities in the 2000s. Inspections in the 1980s noted issues with infrastructure, leading to refurbishments in 1995 and 2015. A 2023 HM Inspectorate of Prisons report commended its education programmes but flagged high levels of violence and staffing challenges. Swinfen Hall’s history reflects its evolution from a borstal to a modern YOI, balancing rehabilitation with security.

Swinfen Hall Prison Address

The most up-to-date address for Swinfen Hall Prison is:

This address is verified via the GOV.UK website. The prison is located in a rural area, 3 miles southwest of Lichfield, accessible via the A38.

Swinfen Hall Prison Telephone Number

To contact Swinfen Hall Prison, use the following number:

Telephone: +44 1543 264000

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.

Swinfen Hall Prison Capacity

Swinfen Hall Prison has an operational capacity of approximately 624 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 Swinfen Hall Prison: Travel Directions and Transport Links

Swinfen Hall Prison’s rural location near Lichfield requires planning, but it is accessible by car, bus, or limited train connections, with links to Lichfield, Birmingham, and Tamworth.

By Car: From Lichfield, take the A38 southwest to Swinfen Hall Road (10 minutes). From Birmingham, follow the A38 north (25 minutes). From Tamworth, take the A51 west, then the A38 (15 minutes). The prison is signposted off Swinfen Hall Road.

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 Lichfield Trent Valley Railway Station, 3 miles away (10-minute taxi). West Midlands Railway operates services from Birmingham New Street (30 minutes), Tamworth (10 minutes), and London Euston (1.5 hours). Taxis from the station cost £6–£10. Check schedules on the West Midlands Railway website.

By Bus: From Lichfield, the Number 35 bus (Arriva) stops near Swinfen Hall Road, a 5-minute walk from the prison. Buses run hourly, taking 15 minutes from Lichfield Bus Station. Plan your journey using the Arriva Midlands website.

How to Book a Visit to Swinfen Hall Prison

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

1. Call the Booking Line: Contact +44 1543 264000 (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.

Swinfen Hall 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 Swinfen Hall Prison: What’s It Like for Inmates?

Life at Swinfen Hall 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 Swinfen Hall Prison

Swinfen Hall 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. Express & Star
• Violence Concerns: A February 2025 inspection reported a rise in gang-related assaults, prompting new security protocols. BBC Staffordshire
• Staff Shortages: A January 2025 report noted a 12% staff shortage, impacting programme delivery, with recruitment ongoing. HM Inspectorate of Prisons

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Swinfen Hall Prison

Who is held at Swinfen Hall Prison?

Swinfen Hall Prison houses young male offenders (18–25) 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 Swinfen Hall, use the GOV.UK online payment service or send a postal order. Contact +44 1543 264000 for guidance. Cash is not accepted for security reasons.

Is Swinfen Hall 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 behaviour programmes, including IT, construction, and anger management, though availability varies.

How safe is Swinfen Hall 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 Swinfen Hall Prison’s focus on rehabilitation makes these connections vital. With a capacity of 624 inmates and recent news highlighting progress in IT training alongside challenges like violence, Swinfen Hall is a dynamic facility. The visiting hours (Tuesday, Thursday, and weekends) and straightforward booking process via +44 1543 264000 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 Swinfen Hall Road address or connect with someone at Swinfen Hall Prison, fostering support and change. For more details, visit the GOV.UK website.