HMP/YOI Lewes

You can book your visit online.

You must arrive at least 45 minutes before your visit to allow for security and processing.

HMP Lewes is able to offer social and professional visits for those with mobility concerns, please email [email protected], if you require support.

If you require to change any information on your online booking please contact [email protected]

Visiting times

Find out about call charges

Find out about call charges

Anybody who is newly convicted (not on recall or remand) can have an ‘early day’ visit subject to availability. When available, this will take place within 72 hours and will be available for up to 3 visitors only above the age of 18.

Visitors can request to book these by emailing [email protected].

There is also limited availability to use Prison video app for those that can not visit in person.

Find Lewes on a map

The closest railway station is Lewes. You can get a 5 minute taxi ride to the prison or it’s a 25 minute walk.

Only Blue Badge holders can park at the prison. There are 2 spaces next to the visitors centre. Tell the prison staff you are parking here, show them your Blue Badge and give them your vehicle registration number. Visitors centre staff can help you with this.

There is metered parking on the roads outside the prison.

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.

• all visitors go through our EGS (Enhanced Gate Security) this process is similar to airport security (bag x-ray and metal portals)
• all visitors can be subject to a pat-down search, including children
• you may also be sniffed by security dogs
• visitors must adhere to the prison dress code that applies when entering Lewes, please see dress code

There are strict controls on what you can take into Lewes. You will have to leave all the things you have with you in a locker, apart from items required for infants and medication is subject the individual concerned and to our security processes.

Lewes is cash only. Each adult visitor can take in up to £25 in £10 notes, £5 notes and coins to spend on hot and cold refreshments. (£20 notes are not allowed.) The vending machine takes coins, so please bring coins if you can, as we may not be able to help with giving change.

When visiting your partner, family member or friend, there is an expectation that you will remain polite and respectful to all other visitors and all staff. HMP Lewes has the right to deny entry or terminate a visit if a visitor is offensive or aggressive towards any other visitor, prisoner, or member of staff.

Clothing cannot be removed during the visits session and visitors are to make sure they are comfortably dressed before they enter the visitor searching area.

All enquiries should be directed in the first instance to the staff in the visits booking or visits senior officer.

PACT runs the visitors centre with toys and art materials and a small play area for children. Refreshments will be available to purchase during your visit.

If you have a disability, let the prison know and they will make sure your visit is on the lower level.

Vending machines are available in the visiting centre. (Please bring change to use them.)

A tea bar sells hot and cold refreshments in the visits hall in the prison.

Toilets are currently in visits booking area. One is being repurposed in in visits area. Baby changing facilities are also in the visits area.

Disabled access to the prison is in place, including parking.

HMP Lewes have introduced a new approach to family visits which were previously known as family days.

Each day is split into 2 sessions, one held in the morning, and one held in the afternoon.

Although the family visits will be shorter (3 hours per session) having 2 sessions supports more prisoners having the opportunity to apply for these events and spending time with loved ones.

• all visitors must be on the prisoners approved visitors list
• children are considered an adult from their 18th birthday
• applications are submitted by the prisoners and considered by the Family Visits Committee
• applications are considered individually, taking into account a number of points including, the available space within the visits hall
• HMP Lewes is governed by the health and safety regulations in relations to the overall number of people permitted in the visits hall at any one time
• this overall figure will also include staff and PACT
• session times will be from 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm
• the new model permits up to 20 prisoners and their families to take part in the event on each session
• activities for children will be available
• light refreshments will also be provided by PACT, and the snack shop will also be open as usual where your families can purchase light refreshments

How to book a secure video call

You can request a secure video call with someone in this prison via the Prison Video app.

You will receive a notification when your request has been accepted.

Read more about how the Prison Video app works.

Prisoners have phones in their cells but they will always have to call you. They buy phone credits to do this and can call anytime between 6am and midnight.

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 Lewes using the Email a Prisoner service.

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 Lewes.

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

Each week, prisoners can send 2 second class letters and one first class legal letter.

National Prison Radio broadcasts into prison cells across England and Wales 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Family and friends can stay connected with their loved ones in prison by sending song requests, written messages and voice recordings. They are then read and played out on weekly episodes.

You can send in a message, and hear the show, at nationalprisonradio.com