Wealstun Prison: A Comprehensive Guide to West Yorkshire’s Male Facility

Located in the rural area of Thorp Arch, near Wetherby, West Yorkshire, Wealstun Prison serves as a key facility in the UK’s prison system, combining Category C and open conditions for male offenders. Officially known as HMP Wealstun, this 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 Wealstun 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 Wealstun Prison

Wealstun Prison, officially HMP Wealstun, is a Category C and open prison for adult male prisoners located in Thorp Arch, near Wetherby, West Yorkshire. Established in 1995 through the merger of two facilities (Thorp Arch and Rudgate), it has a capacity of approximately 832 inmates. The facility primarily houses men serving medium to long-term sentences for offences such as theft, assault, or drug-related crimes, with a focus on rehabilitation through education, vocational training, and Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) for those in open conditions.

Managed by His Majesty’s Prison Service, Wealstun is known for its dual structure, with a closed Category C section and an open unit, offering programmes like construction, catering, and IT. While no high-profile inmates have been widely publicised, the prison serves a diverse population from the North of England. Recent inspections praise its training opportunities but highlight challenges with drug use and staff shortages, positioning Wealstun as a dynamic yet complex facility.

History of Wealstun Prison

Wealstun Prison was formed in 1995 by merging HMP Thorp Arch (a Category C prison opened in 1965) and HMP Rudgate (an open prison opened in 1987), both built on former military sites. The merger created a unique facility combining closed and open conditions to support rehabilitation and resettlement. Its design incorporates modern security and training spaces, with single and double cells, workshops, and educational facilities.

Key milestones include the expansion of vocational training in the 2000s and the introduction of ROTL for open-unit inmates in the 1990s. Inspections in the 1990s noted challenges with integrating the two sites, leading to upgrades in 2005 and 2018. A 2023 HM Inspectorate of Prisons report commended its resettlement programmes but flagged concerns about drug smuggling and staffing challenges. Wealstun’s history reflects its evolution as a hybrid prison, balancing security with rehabilitation.

Wealstun Prison Address

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

This address is verified via the GOV.UK website. The prison is located in a rural area, 2 miles east of Wetherby, accessible via the A1(M).

Wealstun Prison Telephone Number

To contact Wealstun Prison, use the following number:

Telephone: +44 1937 544200

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.

Wealstun Prison Capacity

Wealstun Prison has an operational capacity of approximately 832 inmates, according to Ministry of Justice data. The facility includes single and double cells across closed and open units, with some accessibility adaptations. Its capacity supports its dual role, though overcrowding has been reported in the closed section during peak periods.

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

Wealstun Prison’s rural location near Wetherby requires planning, but it is accessible by car, bus, or limited train connections, with links to Wetherby, Leeds, and York.

By Car: From Wetherby, take the A168 east to Church Causeway (5 minutes). From Leeds, follow the A1(M) north to Junction 45, then the A168 (20 minutes). From York, take the A1079 west, then the A1(M) south to Junction 45 (25 minutes). The prison is signposted off Church Causeway.

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 Cattal Railway Station, 4 miles away (10-minute taxi). Northern Rail operates services from Leeds (25 minutes) and York (15 minutes). Taxis from the station cost £6–£10. Alternatively, Wetherby Bus Station connects via bus. Check schedules on the Northern Rail website.

By Bus: From Wetherby, the Number 8 bus (Connexions Buses) stops near Church Causeway, a 5-minute walk from the prison. Buses run hourly, taking 10 minutes from Wetherby Bus Station. Plan your journey using the Connexions Buses website.

How to Book a Visit to Wealstun Prison

Visiting Wealstun Prison requires advance booking, with security protocols varying between closed and open units. Follow these steps:

1. Call the Booking Line: Contact +44 1937 544200 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM). Provide the inmate’s name, prison number, unit (closed or open), 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 (stricter in the closed unit), 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.

Wealstun Prison Visiting Times

Visiting hours, as confirmed by GOV.UK, are:

• Tuesday, Thursday: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (social visits, closed and open units).
• Saturday, Sunday: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (social visits, closed and open units).
• 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 modern and functional, with refreshments available. Check for holiday schedule changes or COVID-19 measures (e.g., masks).

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

Life at Wealstun Prison varies between its closed and open units. In the closed Category C section, inmates live in single or double cells with access to education (e.g., literacy, IT), vocational training (e.g., construction, catering), and work programmes, with 6–8 hours of daily out-of-cell time when staffing allows. The open unit offers greater freedom, with ROTL opportunities in local businesses and community projects, and up to 8–10 hours out-of-cell time. Facilities include a gym, library, and outdoor areas.

A 2023 inspection found that 70% of inmates felt safe, with drug use (e.g., cannabis, Spice) and violence posing challenges, with over 120 assault incidents in 2024, mostly in the closed unit. Mental health support is improving but strained, with self-harm rates above average. Positive aspects include employability programmes and family contact initiatives, particularly in the open unit. Inmates describe a structured environment with opportunities for progress, though staffing shortages (down 10% in 2024) can disrupt programme delivery.

Recent News About Wealstun Prison

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

• ROTL Programme Success: In March 2025, 20 inmates in the open unit secured community jobs via ROTL, boosting resettlement outcomes. Yorkshire Post
• Drug Smuggling Crackdown: A February 2025 operation reduced contraband smuggling in the closed unit, though drug issues persist. BBC Leeds
• Staff Shortages: A January 2025 report noted a 10% staff shortage, impacting programme delivery, with recruitment ongoing. HM Inspectorate of Prisons

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Wealstun Prison

Who is held at Wealstun Prison?

Wealstun Prison houses adult male prisoners serving medium to long-term sentences in Category C and open 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 Wealstun, use the GOV.UK online payment service or send a postal order. Contact +44 1937 544200 for guidance. Cash is not accepted for security reasons.

Is Wealstun 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, catering, and ROTL opportunities, though availability varies.

How safe is Wealstun Prison?

Safety is moderate, with 70% of inmates feeling safe in 2023. Drug use and violence are concerns, particularly in the closed unit, 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 Wealstun Prison’s focus on rehabilitation makes these connections vital. With a capacity of 832 inmates and recent news highlighting successes in ROTL alongside challenges like drug smuggling, Wealstun is a hub of opportunity and complexity. The visiting hours (Tuesday, Thursday, and weekends) and straightforward booking process via +44 1937 544200 enable loved ones to offer support, which can transform an inmate’s journey. We hope this guide helps you plan a visit to the Church Causeway address or connect with someone at Wealstun Prison, fostering support and rehabilitation. For more details, visit the GOV.UK website.