Custody InsightsConsulting
Prison guides by establishment
The ten highest-intake local prisons in England & Wales
Every establishment has its own regime, catchment and pace. These pages cover what families typically face at each one — reception, first calls, visits and welfare — written by ex-Prison Service specialists. Not legal advice.
HMP Belmarsh
One of the country's highest-security local prisons, receiving men directly from courts across south-east London.
HMP Wandsworth
One of the largest prisons in the UK, holding a large remand and sentenced population from courts across south-west London.
HMP Pentonville
A Victorian inner-London local prison serving courts across north London, with a very high turnover of men.
HMP Brixton
An inner-London local prison holding remand and sentenced men from courts across south London.
HMP Leeds
One of the largest local prisons in England, serving courts across West Yorkshire.
HMP Birmingham
A large local prison in Winson Green, receiving men from courts across the West Midlands.
HMP Manchester
A large local prison in Strangeways serving courts across Greater Manchester, holding both remand and higher-category men.
HMP Bristol
A local prison serving a wide catchment across the South West, including courts far from the city.
HMP Liverpool
A very large local prison at Walton serving courts across Merseyside and the wider region.
HMP Cardiff
Wales' principal local prison, receiving men from courts across South Wales and beyond.
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