Ministry Of Justice
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Book and plan your visit to Winchester
Now that regular COVID testing of people in the wider community has ended, you are no longer required to take a COVID test before coming to see someone for a visit, although we would still encourage you to do so.
We will continue to run social visits whilst it is safe to do so.
Visiting rules may change if there is an outbreak within the prison, this may include bringing back testing before visits for a short time to protect you, the person you are visiting and staff.
If you are unable to visit someone in prison you can still keep in touch.
You can also contact the Prisoners Families Helpline on 0808 808 2003. You will not be able to book a visit using this number.
To visit someone in Winchester you must:
- be on that persons visitor list
- book your visit in advance
- have the required ID with you when you go
At least one visitor must be 18 or older at every visit.
If the man is on remand they can have one visit a day.
If the man has been convicted (they have been sentenced or are awaiting sentencing) they can have 2 visits a month or more depending on behaviour.
Contact Winchester if you have any questions about visiting.
Help with the cost of your visit
If you get certain benefits or have an NHS health certificate, you might be able to get help with the costs of your visit, including:
- travel to Winchester
- somewhere to stay overnight
- meals
How to book family and friends visits
Winchester is running a limited visits schedule. Visits are also happening differently than normal, observing strict guidelines, which must be followed.
To find out more on how to book your visit, contact Winchester.
You can book your visit by telephone.
Booking line: 0345 223 5514
Booking line opening times: Monday to Friday, 10am to 11:30am and 2pm to 3:30pm
Find out about call charges
Visiting times:
- Tuesday: 1:30pm to 4:30pm
- Thursday: 1:30pm to 4:30pm
- Saturday: 1:30pm to 4:30pm
How to book legal and professional visits
There are currently no legal visits taking place.
Getting to Winchester
Find Winchester Prison on a map
Winchester Prison is about half a mile from Winchester railway station. It is opposite the Royal Hampshire County Hospital. There are regular buses from the station or you can take a taxi.
To plan your journey by public transport:
There is limited parking around the prison. If you come by car, you will need to park in one of the city centre car parks or use the Park & Ride. Buses run every 15 minutes and stop close to the prison.
Contact Winchester if you have access needs and would like to discuss your visit.
Entering Winchester
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. You may be turned away if you are wearing items like revealing clothing or clothing with offensive slogans.
There will be no refreshments available during your visit.
There are strict controls on what you can take into Winchester. You will have to leave most of the things you have with you in a locker or with security. This includes pushchairs and car seats.
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.
Visiting facilities
The charity Spurgeons runs the visitor services at Winchester.
Family days
There are currently no family days being run.
Keep in touch with someone at Winchester
There are several ways you can keep in touch with a prisoner during their time at Winchester.
Secure video calls
Secure video calling is available at this prison. Family and friends will need to download the Prison Video app, create an account, register all visitors and add the prisoner to their contact list.
Phone calls
Prisoners do not have phones in their rooms so 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 Winchester using the Email a Prisoner service.
You might also be able to attach photos and receive replies, depending on the rules at Winchester.
Letters
You can write at any time.
Include the persons name and prisoner number on the envelope.
If you do not know their prisoner number, contact Winchester.
All post, apart from legal letters, will be opened and checked by officers.
Send money and gifts
You can use the free and fast online service to send money to someone in prison.
You can no longer send money by bank transfer, cheque, postal order or send cash by post.
If you cannot use the online service, you may be able to apply for an exemption - for example if you:
- are unable to use a computer, a smart phone or the internet
- do not have a debit card
This will allow you to send money by post.
Gifts and parcels
Contact Winchester for information on sending property to prisoners.
Friends and families of prisoners are permitted to send books directly to their loved ones, or can order books from approved retailers, which can source and send the books on to prisoners.For the full list of approved retailers, you can read the HMPPS Incentives Policy, Annex F.
Life at Winchester
Winchester Prison is committed to providing a safe and engaging environment where men can learn new skills to help them on release.
The prison aims to provide a service to the men that is caring, kind and compassionate, allowing them to feel valued members of the prison community.
Security and safeguarding
Every person at Winchester has a right to feel safe. The staff are responsible for their safeguarding and welfare at all times.
For further information about what to do when you are worried or concerned about someone in prison visit the Prisoners Families