Whitemoor Prison: A Comprehensive Guide to Cambridgeshire’s High-Security Facility

Located in the rural area of March, Cambridgeshire, Whitemoor 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 Whitemoor, this Category A and B prison is designed to house some of the country’s most serious male offenders. Whether you’re planning a visit to support a loved one, researching its complex past, or curious about life behind its walls, this guide provides a detailed exploration of Whitemoor 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 Whitemoor Prison

Whitemoor Prison, officially HMP Whitemoor, is a Category A and B male prison located in March, Cambridgeshire. Opened in 1991, it is a modern high-security facility with a capacity of approximately 458 inmates. The facility primarily houses adult male prisoners serving long-term or life sentences for serious offences, including murder, terrorism, or violent crimes, with a high-security focus for Category A inmates.

Managed by His Majesty’s Prison Service, Whitemoor is known for its high-security measures, including a Dedicated Search Team and a Close Supervision Centre, alongside rehabilitation programmes like education and therapeutic interventions. Notable inmates have included Charles Bronson and several high-profile terrorists. Recent inspections highlight progress in managing high-risk inmates but note challenges with violence, drug use, and staff shortages, positioning Whitemoor as a critical yet complex facility.

History of Whitemoor Prison

Whitemoor Prison opened in 1991, built as a modern maximum-security prison to address the need for high-security facilities in the UK. Its design incorporated advanced security systems, including secure cells, workshops, and therapy rooms, reflecting a balance between containment and rehabilitation. The prison gained notoriety following a high-profile escape attempt in 1994, leading to significant security upgrades.

Key milestones include the establishment of its Close Supervision Centre in the 2000s for managing disruptive inmates and the expansion of therapeutic programmes in the 2010s. Inspections in the 1990s and 2000s noted challenges with staff training, leading to improvements in 2005 and 2018. A 2023 HM Inspectorate of Prisons report commended its security measures but flagged concerns about drug smuggling and staffing shortages. Whitemoor’s history reflects its role as a high-security hub, balancing containment with rehabilitation.

Whitemoor Prison Address

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

This address is verified via the GOV.UK website. The prison is located in a rural area, 2 miles east of March town centre, accessible via the A141.

Whitemoor Prison Telephone Number

To contact Whitemoor Prison, use the following number:

Telephone: +44 1354 602350

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.

Whitemoor Prison Capacity

Whitemoor Prison has an operational capacity of approximately 458 inmates, according to Ministry of Justice data. The facility includes single and double cells across high-security wings, with limited accessibility adaptations due to its secure design. Its capacity supports its high-security role, though overcrowding has been reported during peak periods.

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

Whitemoor Prison’s rural location near March requires planning, but it is accessible by car, bus, or train, with links to March, Peterborough, and Cambridge.

By Car: From March town centre, take the A141 east to Longhill Road (5 minutes). From Peterborough, follow the A1139 east, then the A141 (20 minutes). From Cambridge, take the A14 east, then the A141 (30 minutes). The prison is signposted off Longhill 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 March Railway Station, 2 miles away (5-minute taxi or 10-minute bus ride). Greater Anglia operates services from Peterborough (15 minutes), Cambridge (20 minutes), and London Liverpool Street (1.5 hours). Taxis from the station cost £5–£8. Check schedules on the Greater Anglia website.

By Bus: From March, the Number 33 bus (Stagecoach) stops near Longhill Road, a 5-minute walk from the prison. Buses run hourly, taking 10 minutes from March town centre. Plan your journey using the Stagecoach website.

How to Book a Visit to Whitemoor Prison

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

1. Call the Booking Line: Contact +44 1354 602350 (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.

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

Life at Whitemoor 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, including those in the Close Supervision Centre. Facilities include a gym, library, and restricted outdoor areas, with time out of cells often limited 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 Whitemoor Prison

Whitemoor 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. Cambridge News
• Drug Smuggling Crackdown: A February 2025 operation reduced contraband smuggling, though drug issues persist. BBC Cambridgeshire
• Staff Shortages: A January 2025 report noted a 12% staff shortage, impacting programme delivery, with recruitment ongoing. HM Inspectorate of Prisons

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Whitemoor Prison

Who is held at Whitemoor Prison?

Whitemoor 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 Whitemoor, use the GOV.UK online payment service or send a postal order. Contact +44 1354 602350 for guidance. Cash is not accepted for security reasons.

Is Whitemoor Prison accessible?

Accessibility is limited due to its high-security design, 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 Whitemoor 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 Whitemoor Prison. With a capacity of 458 inmates and recent news highlighting successes in therapeutic programmes alongside challenges like drug smuggling, Whitemoor is a complex facility. The visiting hours (Tuesday, Thursday, and weekends) and straightforward booking process via +44 1354 602350 enable loved ones to offer support, which can inspire hope and change. We hope this guide helps you plan a visit to the Longhill Road address or connect with someone at Whitemoor Prison, fostering bonds that matter. For more details, visit the GOV.UK website.