Woodhill Prison: A Comprehensive Guide to Buckinghamshire’s High-Security Facility

Located in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, Woodhill 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 Woodhill, 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 Woodhill 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 Woodhill Prison

Woodhill Prison, officially HMP Woodhill, is a Category A and B male prison located in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. Opened in 1992, it is a modern high-security facility with a capacity of approximately 819 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, Woodhill is known for its high-security measures, including a Close Supervision Centre and a Separation Centre for managing high-risk inmates, alongside rehabilitation programmes like education and therapeutic interventions. Notable inmates have included David Copeland and Michael Adebolajo. Recent inspections highlight progress in managing high-risk inmates but note challenges with violence, drug use, and staff shortages, positioning Woodhill as a critical yet complex facility.

History of Woodhill Prison

Woodhill Prison opened in 1992, built as a modern maximum-security prison to address the need for high-security facilities in the South East. Its design incorporated advanced security systems, including secure cells, workshops, and therapy rooms, reflecting a balance between containment and rehabilitation. The prison faced scrutiny following incidents of self-harm and violence in the 1990s, leading to security enhancements.

Key milestones include the establishment of its Close Supervision Centre in the 2000s and the addition of a Separation Centre in the 2010s for managing extremist inmates. Inspections in the 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. Woodhill’s history reflects its role as a high-security hub, balancing containment with rehabilitation.

Woodhill Prison Address

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

This address is verified via the GOV.UK website. The prison is located in an urban area, 2 miles southwest of Milton Keynes city centre, accessible via the A5.

Woodhill Prison Telephone Number

To contact Woodhill Prison, use the following number:

Telephone: +44 1908 722000

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.

Woodhill Prison Capacity

Woodhill Prison has an operational capacity of approximately 819 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 Woodhill Prison: Travel Directions and Transport Links

Woodhill Prison’s urban location in Milton Keynes offers good connectivity to London, Northampton, and Bedford.

By Car: From Milton Keynes city centre, take the A5 southwest to Tattenhoe Street (5 minutes). From London, follow the M1 north to Junction 14, then the A509 (50 minutes). From Northampton, take the A508 south, then the A5 (20 minutes). The prison is signposted off Tattenhoe Street.

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 Milton Keynes Central Railway Station, 2 miles away (5-minute taxi or 10-minute bus ride). West Midlands Railway and Avanti West Coast operate services from London Euston (35 minutes), Northampton (15 minutes), and Birmingham New Street (45 minutes). Taxis from the station cost £5–£8. Check schedules on the West Midlands Railway website.

By Bus: From Milton Keynes, the Number 4 or 6 bus (Arriva) stops near Tattenhoe Street, a 3-minute walk from the prison. Buses run every 15 minutes, taking 10 minutes from Milton Keynes Central Bus Station. Plan your journey using the Arriva South East website.

How to Book a Visit to Woodhill Prison

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

1. Call the Booking Line: Contact +44 1908 722000 (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.

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

Life at Woodhill 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 and Separation Centres. 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 Woodhill Prison

Woodhill 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. Bucks Herald
• Drug Smuggling Crackdown: A February 2025 operation reduced contraband smuggling, though drug issues persist. BBC Beds, Bucks & Herts
• Staff Shortages: A January 2025 report noted a 12% staff shortage, impacting programme delivery, with recruitment ongoing. HM Inspectorate of Prisons

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Woodhill Prison

Who is held at Woodhill Prison?

Woodhill 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 Woodhill, use the GOV.UK online payment service or send a postal order. Contact +44 1908 722000 for guidance. Cash is not accepted for security reasons.

Is Woodhill 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 Woodhill 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 Woodhill Prison. With a capacity of 819 inmates and recent news highlighting successes in therapeutic programmes alongside challenges like drug smuggling, Woodhill is a complex facility. The visiting hours (Tuesday, Thursday, and weekends) and straightforward booking process via +44 1908 722000 enable loved ones to offer support, which can inspire hope and change. We hope this guide helps you plan a visit to the Tattenhoe Street address or connect with someone at Woodhill Prison, fostering bonds that matter. For more details, visit the GOV.UK website.