Wakefield Prison: A Comprehensive Guide to West Yorkshire’s High-Security Facility

Located in the heart of Wakefield, West Yorkshire, Wakefield Prison stands as one of the UK’s most secure correctional facilities, serving as a cornerstone of the nation’s high-security prison system. Officially known as HMP Wakefield, this Category A and B prison is renowned for housing some of the country’s most serious male offenders. Whether you’re planning a visit to support a loved one, researching its storied past, or curious about life behind its walls, this guide provides a detailed exploration of Wakefield 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 Wakefield Prison

Wakefield Prison, officially HMP Wakefield, is a Category A and B male prison located in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. Established in 1594, with major expansions in the 19th century, it is one of England’s oldest operational prisons, with a capacity of approximately 751 inmates. The facility primarily houses adult male prisoners serving long-term or life sentences for serious offences, including murder, violent crimes, or terrorism, with a high-security focus for Category A inmates.

Managed by His Majesty’s Prison Service, Wakefield is known for its high-security measures and rehabilitation programmes, including education and therapeutic interventions, supported by facilities like secure cells and workshops. Notable inmates have included Harold Shipman and Ian Brady. Recent inspections highlight progress in managing high-risk inmates but note challenges with violence, drug use, and staff shortages, positioning Wakefield as a critical yet complex facility.

History of Wakefield Prison

Wakefield Prison, originally known as Wakefield House of Correction, opened in 1594, with significant rebuilding in the 1840s to serve the industrial population of West Yorkshire. Its Victorian radial design, featuring cell blocks extending from a central hub, was built to enforce discipline and surveillance. Initially housing men, women, and juveniles, it became a male-only, high-security facility by the 20th century.

Key moments include its role in 19th-century executions and its designation as a maximum-security prison in the 1960s. The prison faced criticism in the 1980s for harsh conditions, leading to refurbishments in 1995 and 2015 to improve facilities. A 2023 HM Inspectorate of Prisons report noted improvements in security measures but flagged concerns about drug smuggling and aging infrastructure. Wakefield’s history reflects its evolution as a high-security hub, balancing containment with rehabilitation.

Wakefield Prison Address

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

This address is verified via the GOV.UK website. The prison is located in an urban area, 0.5 miles west of Wakefield city centre, accessible via the A636.

Wakefield Prison Telephone Number

To contact Wakefield Prison, use the following number:

Telephone: +44 1924 373000

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.

Wakefield Prison Capacity

Wakefield Prison has an operational capacity of approximately 751 inmates, according to Ministry of Justice data. The facility includes single and double cells across several high-security wings, with limited accessibility adaptations due to its historic design. Its capacity supports its high-security role, though overcrowding has been reported during peak periods.

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

Wakefield Prison’s urban location in Wakefield offers excellent connectivity to Leeds, Bradford, and Huddersfield.

By Car: From Wakefield city centre, take the A636 west to Love Lane (5 minutes). From Leeds, follow the M1 south to Junction 41, then the A650 (15 minutes). From Bradford, take the A650 south (20 minutes). The prison is signposted off Love Lane.

Parking: Limited on-street parking is available near Love Lane, with pay-and-display spaces nearby. The nearest car park is at Wakefield Rishworth Street Car Park (5-minute walk, £1–£3 for 2 hours). Disabled parking is scarce, so plan ahead.

By Train: The nearest station is Wakefield Westgate Railway Station, 0.5 miles away (5-minute walk or 3-minute taxi, £4–£6). Northern Rail and LNER operate services from Leeds (15 minutes), Bradford (20 minutes), and London King’s Cross (2 hours). Taxis are available at the station. Check schedules on the Northern Rail website.

By Bus: From Wakefield city centre, the Number 231 or 232 bus (Arriva) stops on Love Lane, a 2-minute walk from the prison. Buses run every 10 minutes, taking 5 minutes from Wakefield Bus Station. Plan your journey using the Arriva Yorkshire website.

How to Book a Visit to Wakefield Prison

Visiting Wakefield Prison requires advance booking and strict security compliance due to its high-security status. Follow these steps:

1. Call the Booking Line: Contact +44 1924 373000 (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 28 days in advance for high-security units.
3. Identification: Adults (18+) must present photo ID (e.g., passport, driving licence). Children need a birth certificate. Arrive 30 minutes early for enhanced 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.

Wakefield 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 secure but functional, with limited refreshments. Check for holiday schedule changes or COVID-19 measures (e.g., masks).

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

Life at Wakefield Prison is highly controlled, reflecting its role as a high-security facility for serious offenders. Inmates live in single or double cells within secure wings, with access to limited education (e.g., literacy, IT), work (e.g., workshops), and therapeutic programmes. Facilities include a gym, library, and chapel, but time out of cells is often restricted to 4–6 hours daily due to stringent security and staffing constraints.

A 2023 inspection found that 50% of inmates felt safe, with violence and drug use, particularly cannabis and Spice, posing significant challenges, with over 200 assault incidents in 2024. Mental health support is strained, with self-harm rates above average due to the high-risk population. Positive aspects include tailored therapeutic programmes and family contact initiatives, which help inmates maintain ties. Inmates describe a highly secure, isolated environment where rehabilitation is possible but challenging, with progress dependent on programme access.

Recent News About Wakefield Prison

Wakefield Prison has been in the news in 2025 for its operational challenges and improvements:

• Therapeutic Programme Success: In March 2025, a new therapeutic programme supported 15 inmates in addressing offending behaviour. Yorkshire Post
• Drug Smuggling Crackdown: A February 2025 operation reduced contraband smuggling, though drug issues persist. BBC Leeds
• Staff Shortages: A January 2025 report noted a 12% staff shortage, impacting programme delivery, with recruitment ongoing. HM Inspectorate of Prisons

These updates reflect Wakefield’s efforts to balance security and rehabilitation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wakefield Prison

Who is held at Wakefield Prison?

Wakefield Prison houses adult male prisoners serving long-term or life sentences for serious offences, including Category A high-risk inmates.

How can I send money to an inmate?

Supporting an inmate financially is a common concern. At Wakefield, use the GOV.UK online payment service or send a postal order. Contact +44 1924 373000 for guidance. Cash is not accepted for security reasons.

Is Wakefield 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 limited education, work, and therapeutic programmes, including literacy and behaviour-focused interventions, though availability varies.

How safe is Wakefield Prison?

Safety is a challenge, with 50% of inmates feeling safe in 2023. Violence and drug use are concerns, but security measures and therapeutic programmes aim to improve conditions.

HMPrisonguide.co.uk Personal Overview

At HMPrisonguide.co.uk, we believe that family connections can be a lifeline for inmates, even in a high-security setting like Wakefield Prison. With a capacity of 751 inmates and recent news highlighting successes in therapeutic programmes alongside challenges like drug smuggling, Wakefield is a complex facility. The visiting hours (Tuesday, Thursday, and weekends) and straightforward booking process via +44 1924 373000 enable loved ones to offer support, which can inspire hope and change. We hope this guide helps you plan a visit to the Love Lane address or connect with someone at Wakefield Prison, fostering bonds that matter. For more details, visit the GOV.UK website.