HMP Wealstun

You can book your visit online or by telephone.

Telephone booking line: 01937 444 599

The booking line is open Monday to Thursday, 8:30am to 12:30pm Find out about call charges

These times include booking-in, entry, searching and exit arrangements to allow your actual visit to last one hour.

The visitors centre offers some facilities for visitors.

Prisoners on the basic level of the Incentives and Privileges policy framework are only entitled to a one hour visit. Their visits will be timed so that the visit ‘contact time’ begins one hour before the session ends.

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

All official visitors will need to return a security validation by email. Details of this are provided to you as part of the booking process.

Find Wealstun on a map

The closest railway stations are Leeds (12 miles from the prison) and York (15 miles). You can take a 45 minute bus ride to the prison, as taxis can be expensive.

There is a large visitor car park with Blue Badge parking spaces close to the visitor centre.

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.

All visitors are reminded that once you leave the prison, you will not be allowed to come back in. This rule helps us protect the integrity of searching arrangements and to keep the prison safe.

There are strict controls on what you can take into Wealstun. You will have to leave most of the things you have with you in a locker, which are free to use. This includes pushchairs and car seats.

Refreshments and snacks are available to purchase in the visits shop. Each adult is permitted to bring in up to £60 in cash only for purchases during the visit. This includes for any children accompanying.

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.

Wealstun aims to create a family environment that is appropriate for adults and children of all ages. Failure to follow this dress code will result in visitors not being permitted to enter the prison.

All prisoners are reminded to inform their visitors of the correct dress code.

Wealstun’s dress code follows the central policy Management of security at visits policy framework - dress code for visitors - annex-h

The visitor centre is open on visiting days, approximately 30 to 45 minutes before the visit session starts. It offers an indoor waiting area, lockers for storing personal items and support with booking in. You can use the centre as an indoor waiting area only, between 12:30pm to 1:30pm.

Lockers are free to use, but require a £1 coin or trolley token, which is returned upon unlocking. Locker space is limited, so avoid bringing large bags or bulky items.

The visits room includes a children’s play area, with toilets and baby changing facilities available nearby.

Once a visitor has entered the prison and decides to leave, they cannot re-renter.

We currently run family days during school holiday periods for children up to the age of 18 years old. Participants are generated through a strict application process.

Family days can only be applied for by prisoners.

Prisoners have phones in their cells but they will always have to call you. 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 Wealstun 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 Wealstun.

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

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 Wealstun.

All post, apart from legal letters, will be opened, checked and photocopied. The original will be returned on discharge.

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