HMP/YOI Low Newton

One Reception visit is permitted within the first 14 days of being taken into custody and will last a minimum of 30 minutes. The 14 days will start the day after arriving in custody.

A maximum of 3 adult visitors and no limit on children can attend a reception visit. Please note that a child is classed as anyone under the age of 18.

These visits do not need to be booked but they can only take place within the normal times of social visits. On arrival, visitors will need to go straight to the visitor centre and advise NEPACS staff that they are here for a reception visit.

Relevant checks need to be carried out on the visitors arrival to determine if the visit can go ahead. Visitors can wait in the visitors centre while the checks take place. NEPACS staff and volunteers are available to help. Visitors will be advised if the visit has been approved.

Visitors attending for a reception visit may bring a reception parcel to the visit. This parcel is limited to clothing and footwear. A full list of items that can be bought in are on the NEPACS website or will be listed on the Low Newton prison guide on the Gov.UK website.

The parcels will be checked by prison staff in the visitors reception and items not on this list will not be allowed in and will be returned to the visitor as they leave. Visitors are advised not to arrive to the prison until 1 hour before the visit start time. The Visitors Centre will open 45 minutes prior to the start of the visit.

All visitors must have the correct form of ID. Visitors will not be allowed to attend the visit if the correct ID is not presented prior to the visit.

At least one visitor must be 18 or older at every visit.

are to arrive at the visitors’ centre for PM visits no earlier than 1 hour prior to the start of the visit, any late arrivals may be refused entry.

Refreshments are available in the main visits hall only. Visitors may take in £20 per adult to spend. Change is available at the visitors’ centre.

One clear baby bottle plus 1 unopened carton of baby milk or 1 clear bottle of breast milk will be permitted for babies along with changing materials.

Play areas are available for children under 16 in both Visitors Centre and the main visits hall.

You can book your visit online or by telephone.

Telephone booking line: 0300 303 0632

The booking line is open, Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm.

Find out about call charges

Visitors are advised not to arrive to the prison until 1 hour before the visit start time.

Prisoners that haven’t been convicted may have 2 weekday visits and 1 weekend visit as per our current visit schedule.

To arrange an official video visit you can email, [email protected].

To arrange an official face to face visit, you can phone, 0300 303 0632.

The booking line opens, Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm. Find out about call charges

Find Low Newton on a map

Bus

Arriving: The No 62 bus runs from Durham North Road, Stand B to the prison hourly departing from Durham at 8 minutes past the hour, and arriving at the bus stop outside the establishment at 25 minutes past the hour.

Departing: The No 62 bus departs the bus stop outside the establishment at 29 minutes past the hour and arrives at Durham North Road Stand B at 44 minute past the hour

Arriving: The No 64 bus runs every 20 minutes from Durham bus station, stand Z to Rothbury Road (on the nearby Newton Hall Estate) which is a 10 minute walk to the establishment and the same for a return journey.

Train: Durham City is the nearest station. It’s a 10 to 15 minute walk to the bus stop, or taxis operate from both the station and bus stop.

Car: From the north or south take the A1 (M) to the A167 Chester le Street slip road. On the roundabout below the A1 take the exit posted A167 Durham (from the North it is the 3rd exit from the South it is the first).

Coming the second roundabout, follow the A167 Durham Sign, going straight on. There is a large BP garage on the right. You come to another roundabout, go straight ahead, following signpost A167 Durham. Go on to another roundabout, go straight ahead, A167 Durham. You will go under a railway bridge, carry straight on the dual carriageway, straight through the two new roundabouts at Chester Moor and the Red Lion.

At the next big roundabout, take the first left signposted Arnison Centre, Newton Hall, Finchale Priory. Carry on past McDonalds, Sainsburys etc. on your right. At the next roundabout go straight across, signposted Newton Hall, Brasside, Finchale Priory.

Continue a short distance to another roundabout, (housing estate on the right, Newton Grange pub/hotel on your left). Turn left signposted Newton Hall, Brasside, Finchale Priory. Go on down the hill, under the railway bridge. Take the first right for Low Newton prison.

There is a visitor’s car park at the front of the prison but parking is limited during the week.

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

Visitors should dress appropriately, or you could be turned away.

You can purchase refreshments during your visit.

You will need to leave any valuables in a locker before entering the visitor area.

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.

On visiting days the Nepacs visitors centre, (outside the prison next to the visitors car park) is open from 12:30pm to 4pm. Visitors centre staff can provide information and support.

There is a tea bar facility Visits are limited to 12 prisoners per Social Visit session, 3 Official/Legal visits, up to 3 closed visits. 3 adults per prisoner, for more than 3 child visitors required, Family Services may contact the prison for approval. Toilet facilities are available.

Visitors using wheelchairs need to make their own arrangements to travel from the visitors centre to the prison. There are no extra prison staff available to push wheelchair users. The route to the main visits hall from the visitors centre is ramped to allow access and takes around 4 minutes.

The family days and child parent days take place every Friday.

Approval to attend can be gained by the prisoners through application to the Offender Management Unit (OMU) team managing this service.

There is scope for arrangement of professional / social care meetings and contact with children which can be discussed and assessed via contact with [email protected].