HMP Channings Wood

Find out about call charges

Email: [email protected]

Saturday and Sunday visits alternate between prisoners in the main prison and the vulnerable prisoner’s unit. The booking line can advise you on the appropriate weekend day to visit.

The visiting entitlement is one hour only, between the hours of 2pm to 4pm, however we will endeavour to allow you to have as much time as possible.

Find HMP Channings Wood on a map

The closest railway station is Newton Abbot which is around 4 miles from Channings Wood Prison. There is a large taxi rank at the train station and will cost approximately £13 to £15 Monday to Saturday and approximately £18 to £20 on Sundays.

There is a bus stop at the front of the drive to the establishment that leaves from Sherbourne road in Newton Abbot (main bus station) this is a county bus service and information for the service can be found here.

There is limited parking available onsite for visitors, including spaces at the front entrance for Blue Badge holders.

All visitors, aged 16 or older must prove their identity before entering the prison. Read the list of acceptable forms of ID when visiting a prison.

Book in at the visitors centre at least half an hour before your visit. The booking office opens at midday on visit days.

You must be at the prison gates no later than 3pm for your visit, if you’re later than this time, you will not be allowed to enter.

You may have your finger or thumb prints scanned as part of a security check. You may also have an iris scan. All visitors, apart from children, will have their photo taken.

All visitors will need to be given a rub-down search, including children. You may also be sniffed by security dogs.

Channings Wood Prison has a strict dress code policy.

It is up to prison staff to make decisions and judgements as to when clothing is inappropriate. When making these decisions, staff will always consider decency and diversity. You may be asked to adjust clothing or wear alternative clothing if available. As a last resort your visit may be cancelled if the dress code cannot be followed.

There are strict controls on what you can take into Channings Wood Prison. You will have to leave most of the things you have with you in a locker. This includes pushchairs and car seats.

You may bring in dummies, baby wipes, nappies, milk powder and prescribed medication. All baby items must be in a clear plastic bag.

Please note that some of these items may be bagged and tagged in the Visitors’ Centre prior to entry into the prison.

You will be told the rules by an officer at the start of your visit. If you break the rules, your visit could be cancelled, and you could be banned from visiting again.

There is a visitors’ centre run by Prison Advice and Care Trust. It includes toilets and a children’s play area, and staff are available to offer support and advice to visitors.

The visitor’s centre is open on visits days from midday to 4:30pm.

Telephone: 01803 814 893

Food and Drink is available during your visit. When you arrive at the Visitor Centre to sign in, you will be given an order form where you can choose what food and drink, you’d like during your visit. Refreshments are paid for prior to your visit and payment can only be made with cash.

Please note, food and drink are subject to availability, and we may not always have the full menu.

Channings Wood run family visits throughout the year. Details on how these visits are run and what dates they are can be found by contacting: [email protected]

PACT provides a range of activities for the whole family.

How to book a secure video call

Secure video calls at this prison can be requested by prisoners only.

You will receive a notification if a prisoner has requested a video call with you.

Read more about how it works.

Prisoners have phones in their cells, but they cannot receive calls and can only make them. They have to buy phone credits to do this.

They can phone anyone named on their list of friends and family. This list is checked by security when they first arrive so it may take a few days before they are able to call.

You can also exchange voicemails using the Prison Voicemail service.

Officers may listen to phone calls as a way of preventing crime and helping keep people safe.

You can send emails to someone in Channings Wood using the Email a Prisoner service.

You might also be able to attach photos and receive replies from the prisoner, depending on the rules at Channings Wood.

You can write at any time.

Include the person’s name and prisoner number on the envelope.

If you do not know their prisoner number, contact Channings Wood.

All post, apart from legal letters, will be opened and checked by officers.