lewes prison book visit

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• Crime, justice and law
• Prisons and probation

Lewes Prison

Lewes is a men’s prison in Lewes, East Sussex.

Help us to improve this page. Give us your feedback in this 2-minute survey .

Book and plan your visit to Lewes

To visit someone in Lewes you must:

• be on that person’s visitor list
• book your visit at least 24 hours in advance
• have the required ID with you when you go

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

There may be a limit to the number of visits a prisoner can have. You can check this with Lewes.

Contact Lewes if you have more 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 Lewes
• somewhere to stay overnight

How to book family and friends visits

You can book your visit online or by telephone. You can also register for secure video calls .

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

Booking line: 01273 785 271 The booking line is open everyday, 8:30am to 11:30am and 2pm to 4:30pm. Find out about call charges

Visiting times

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday: 2pm to 3pm

How to book legal and professional visits

You can book a face to face visit by calling the booking line.

Virtual Visits using the Video Conference Cloud, can only be booked via [email protected] , video links cannot be booked over the phone.

Visiting times:

• Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: 2pm to 3pm and 3pm to 4pm
• Friday 9am to 10am and 10am to 11am

Getting to Lewes

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.

To plan your journey by public transport:

• use National Rail Enquiries
• use Traveline for local bus times

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.

Entering Lewes

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

Lewes has a dress code policy, which means visitors should wear family-friendly clothes (no vests, no low-cut tops, no shorts, no short dresses, and no headwear, other than that worn for religious reasons). You may be turned away if you are wearing items like revealing clothing or clothing with offensive slogans.

You will be able to purchase snacks from the ‘Snack Shop’ located in the main Visits Hall. You are permitted to bring in a total of £15 in coins, (you will not be permitted to bring notes into HMP Lewes).

There are strict controls on what you can take into Lewes. If you are unsure, please seek advice when booking your visit. This includes pushchairs and car seats.

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.

Visiting facilities

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.

Family visits

HMP Lewes have introduced a new approach to Family Visits which were previously known as Family Days.

Each day will be split into two sessions, one held in the morning, and one held in the afternoon. Although the Family Visits will be shorter (3 hours per session) having two sessions will support 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

Keep in touch with someone at Lewes

There are several ways you can keep in touch with someone during their time at Lewes.

Secure video calls

To have a secure video call with someone in this prison you need to:

• Download the Prison Video app
• Create an account
• Register all visitors
• Add the prisoner to your contact list.

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 it works

Phone calls

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.

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

You are currently not permitted to bring any items into the HMP Lewes for the person you are visiting.

Our processes here at Lewes enable all prisoners to apply for items to be sent in, items that are appropriate to their IEP Level and current status; remanded or convicted.

To have Items sent in, prisoners are required to submit an application to the Reception Team, outlining what they are requesting to have sent in.

The Reception Team will review the applications and will either approve or reject it. The application will then be return to the prisoner on his wing.

If the application is approved, it will be returned to the prisoner and a copy sent to the Gate Lodge ‘the entrance into HMP Lewes’. Only once the prisoner receives an approved application, should they ask the person family member or friend, to send them the items. Please note that when sending a parcel into HMP Lewes, you are required record your (the sender) name and return address on the outside of the packing. You are also required to clearly list all the items that are within the parcel, also on the outside of the parcel.

However, all books can be sent directly to the prisoner without the prisoner having to submit an application. This includes books purchased form one of the ‘Approved Retailers’, but senders are advised to clearly identify the contents as ‘Books’ with their name and return address on the outside of the parcel.

Approved Retailers

• Foyles Waterstones
• Mr B’s Emporium of reading delights
• Incentive plus
• Prisons Org UK

Any book purchased form a retailer not on the approved retailers list, must not be sent directly to the prisoner at HMP Lewes. These books must be sent directly to the family member/friend, who will then need to send the books to the prisoner as described above.

Prisoner are permitted to apply for items to be sent in during their first 28 days at HMP Lewes. Thereafter all prisoners may ask for further items to be sent in once every 12 months, or when they have been awarded Enhanced IEP (Incentives and Earned Privileges)

A full list of approved retailers can be found on - HMPPS Incentives Policy, Annex F.

HMP Lewes’s ‘facilities list’ tells you what is allowed in parcels and is available in the visitors centre.

All parcels will be x-rayed, checked by search dogs and tested for illicit drugs before handed over to the intended recipient.

Parcels or items within the parcel containing or contaminating, illicit items, will seized and handed to the police for further action.

Life at Lewes

Lewes is committed to providing a safe and educational environment where prisoners can learn new skills to help them on release.

Security and safeguarding

Every prisoner at Lewes 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 helpline website .

Arrival and first night

When someone first arrives at Lewes, they will be able to contact a family member by phone. This could be quite late in the evening, depending on the time they arrive, and they are only allowed 2 minutes.

They will get to speak to someone who will check how they’re feeling and ask about any immediate health and wellbeing needs.

Each prisoner who arrives at Lewes gets an induction that lasts about a week. They will meet professionals who will help them with:

• health and wellbeing, including mental and sexual health
• any substance misuse issues, including drugs and alcohol
• personal development in custody and on release, including skills, education and training
• other support (sometimes called ‘interventions’), such as managing difficult emotions

Everyone also finds out about the rules, fire safety, and how things like calls and visits work.

Accommodation

Lewes holds 692 prisoners in a mixture of single and double cells.

Facilities include a gym, library, a healthcare unit, an onsite pharmacy and a multi-faith centre.

Education and work

Lewes provides a range of work, education and training facilities including IT, kitchen work, painting and decorating, barista work, food safety and preparation, waste management, horticulture, first aid and sports leadership.

A physical education programme is offered, as well as weekly library sessions and there are courses to reduce the risk of re-offending.

Temporary release

Applications for release on temporary licence (ROTL) can be submitted and are individually assessed.

Organisations Lewes works with

Lewes works with the Samaritans to train a team of ‘Listeners’ who are then available day and night for those who need additional support.

It also works with The Forward Trust , which offers help around substance misuse and delivers a number of ‘family ties workshops’. This is in partnership with Care UK and can offer detoxification, if necessary.

Lewes also works with Storybook Dads which helps dads create a bedtime story CD or DVD for their children.

Support for family and friends

Find out about advice and helplines for family and friends .

Support at Lewes

PACT delivers family services at Lewes, offering support and advice. It works alongside Sussex Prisoners’ Families , a community organisation which provides peer support and help in court.

Concerns, problems and complaints

In an emergency.

Call 01273 785100 if you think a prisoner is at immediate risk of harm. Ask for the Orderly Officer and explain that your concern is an emergency.

Problems and complaints

If you have any other problem contact Lewes .

Inspection reports

HM Prison and Probation Service publishes action plans for Lewes in response to independent inspections.

Contact Lewes

Governor: Mark Creaven

Telephone: 01273 785 100 Monday to Friday, 7am to 8pm and weekends, 7am to 5pm There is a 24 hour redirect service outside these hours Fax: 01273 785 101 Find out about call charges

Email: [email protected]

HMP/YOI Lewes 1 Brighton Road Lewes East Sussex BN7 1EA

Secure video calls update.

Updated visiting guidance based on 1 April COVID rule changes

Added link to new safer custody information under Security and safeguarding.

Updated visiting information: Reduced visit schedule and testing for visitors aged 12 and over.

Updated visiting information: Testing for visitors aged 12 and over.

Updated visiting times.

Added link to information about testing for physical contact at visits.

New visiting times and booking information added.

Prison moved into National Stage 3 framework and is now preparing to open visits for family, friends and significant others. We will update this page with specific visiting information as soon as possible.

Updated contact email address.

Updated visiting information in line with new local restriction tiers.

Updated the email contact address for families.

Updated visiting information in line with new national restrictions in England.

Updated visiting information in line with coronavirus restrictions.

Updated: HMP Lewes visiting times and visiting procedure changes in line with coronavirus restrictions.

updated survey link

Updated survey link

First published.

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Visits & Getting There, HMP Lewes

Visits are held daily 14:10 – 15:35, and on Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 9:30-11:00.

To book online, go to www.gov.uk/prison-visits , all you need is the name and date of birth of the person you are visiting and their prisoner number. You can choose up to 3 possible dates and times. Prison booking staff will check what’s available and confirm your visit by email. If you’ve made an online visit booking request and haven’t received a confirmation email within 1-3 working days, email [email protected]  or call 01273 785271 or 01273 785277.  The lines open 09:30 -12:00 & 14:00 -16:30hrs seven days a week (excluding Bank Holidays). If you are disabled let the prison know when booking the visit and where possible they will arrange for the visit to be held on a easily accessible floor. Bookings can be taken up to 14 days in advance.

If you book by e-mail, complete the Social Visits Booking Form (122KB), and follow the instruction on the form.

Convicted/sentenced prisoners get three visits a month. Remand prisoners can have three visits a week – two during the week and one at weekends

You are advised to arrive 30 minutes before the start of your visits early to allow for processing/administration.. You must bring your visiting order with you to your visit, along with your booking reference number/email confirmation and your ID. Suitable ID includes

• driving licence
• benefit book
• EC identity card
• Senior citizen’s public transport pass issued by a local authority

or you will need 2 official documents:

• Birth/marriage certificate
• Rail or bus pass with photo
• Cheque book or credit/debit card (counts as one, do not accept as two)
• Young person’s ‘proof of age’ card
• Trade Union or National Students’ union membership Card
• Library card, if it has a signature that can be compared with the visitor’s signature
• Foreign identity or resident’s card (other than EC ID cards acceptable in their own right)

Like at almost all prisons, you cannot bring anything on the visit for the prisoner unless he has filled out an application for it to be brought in, and the application has been approved.

The prison is situated in the town of Lewes, East Sussex, about ½ mile from the town centre. There is a regular bus service from Brighton. Click here for details The local station, Lewes, is on the main line between London Victoria and Brighton. Click here for details  The station is about a 25 mins walk, taxis are available at the station.

By car from London take A23, M23, A27 then join A275 and prison is on left.

Return to Lewes

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You don't always get what you are entitled to unless you ask properly!

We can introduce you to  experienced  lawyers can help you with parole,  probation,  immigration, adjudications, visits and any other complaints  and disputes you have with the Prison Service.

The solicitors are all experts on how the Prison Service/Criminal Law  system works and will be able to provide to you the necessary advice and support to ensure you or your loved ones are treated fairly. These lawyers are "small enough to care about you, but big enough to fight for you"

and remember the old saying:

"  A Man Who Is His Own Lawyer Has A Fool for a Client"

Click here to go to the list of lawyers in your area

Blog Government Digital Service

https://gds.blog.gov.uk/2014/09/15/you-can-now-book-a-prison-visit-online/

You can now book a prison visit online

Booking a prison visit should be simple and straightforward. Until now that was far from the case. Booking a visit required both prisoner and visitor to jump through hoops: paper forms and drawn-out phone calls. And if the visit date turned out to be impossible, they had to start all over again.

Now you can book a visit online . It takes about 5 minutes. Before, picking an available date was pot luck. Now there's a date-picker that lets you select 3 possible slots instead of 1. It’s a straight-forward service with user-needs at its heart but, if you get stuck, you can call the prison's visits booking line and someone will help you with the booking.

Here's a very short film we've made about it:

By making it easier to book visits, prisoners will see more of their friends and family. Evidence suggests this will help their rehabilitation. Transformation isn't just about websites.

The service was built by the Ministry of Justice, with a combined team from the National Offender Management Service, HM Prison Service and MoJ Digital Services.

For more of the story behind this service, read Mike Bracken's account of his trip to HMP Rochester or check out the service’s transformation page .

Join the conversation on Twitter , and don't forget to sign up for email alerts .

You may also be interested in:

• Prison visit booking: using digital analytics to inform alpha development
• Making prison visits easier to book
• Meet the Transformation team

Sharing and comments

Share this page, 20 comments.

Comment by Pauline posted on 23 August 2015

How do you find out the prisoners number??? so you can go ahead with online booking of a visit?

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 24 August 2015

You can find a prisoner using this service: https://www.gov.uk/find-prisoner However it will be the prisoner's responsibility to get in touch with you to let you know their prison number etc.

Comment by linda posted on 15 August 2015

This service does not appear to work this is day 2 trying to use it

Comment by Olivia posted on 30 July 2015

Hi, If a visit is booked and someone cant make it, is it possible to change the name of one of the people to someone else?

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 30 July 2015

It's best to contact the prison directly if this happens. You can find contact details here: http://www.justice.gov.uk/contacts/prison-finder

Thanks, Louise

Comment by Paige posted on 28 July 2015

Hi my partner was sent to nottingham today, I was on his previous list 4 months ago for a visit. Will that still be on the system all will it have to he put through again if so how long does it take to be approved for a visit? Thanks Paige.

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 29 July 2015

You might want to get in touch with the prison first before booking a visit. You can find the contact details of the prison here: http://www.justice.gov.uk/contacts/prison-finder

Comment by Debs posted on 27 July 2015

Hello Is there a list of prisons where online booking can't be used?

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 28 July 2015

According to the information on this page: https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits , you can arrange a visit to any prison in England and Wales through this service. If you're visiting someone in Northern Ireland or Scotland you'll need to contact the prison directly.

This link also lists the type of visits that are not covered by the online service: https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits so you need to get in touch with the prison directly.

Hope that's helpful.

Comment by c.steer posted on 26 July 2015

So how do I find the booking form to fill in I am new to computers

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 27 July 2015

Here's the link to the booking form: https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits

You'll need this information to complete the form:

prisoner number prisoner’s date of birth dates of birth for all visitors coming with you make sure the person you’re visiting has added you to their visitor list

Hope that's useful.

Comment by Shawnaa posted on 09 May 2015

i have a visit booked which i did online but i do not have a visiting order woll the prison let me in?

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 11 May 2015

Your identity will be checked on arrival to make sure you’re on the visitor list.

Comment by jessicca posted on 27 January 2015

What happens after you book the visit and its confirmed by email do you need the visiting order ?

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 29 January 2015

The Visiting Order (VO) number is generated by the booking system, it is included in your confirmation email and you will need this to change or cancel a booking.

However, if you're visiting a prison the guidance is that you only need your ID, not the VO number. If when you visit the prison you are asked for the VO number you should report this via the Contact Us link on the Prison Visits Booking form.

I hope that helps.

Comment by Ilysa Mcnally posted on 18 November 2014

How late in advance can I book e.g. book a visit today (Tuesday) for the Sunday coming???

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 19 November 2014

Hi Ilysa. Thanks for your question. A visit needs to be booked 3 working days in advance. So in this case, the visit request would have to be no later than Tuesday to allow for a visit on Sunday.

Comment by carole posted on 23 October 2014

How far in advance can you book visits

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 23 October 2014

Hi Carole. You can book up to 28 days in advance. Thanks for your question.

Comment by kimberly posted on 16 August 2015

does anyone know how to cancel a visit online?

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Having a loved one in prison can be difficult, worrying and even frightening. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed. This page guides you towards services that can help you through this difficult time. We have divided the page into problems commonly faced by families.

Where has my family member gone?

From the sussex courts:, men are usually sent to hmp lewes women are usually sent to hmp bronzefield.

To find out the whereabouts of a person under 18 contact the Youth Justice Board 0345 3636363

If you cannot locate your family member, please contact  Find a prisoner – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

How to complain

Please see our guide on how to complain about how you and your family member can complain about a prison if you feel you haven’t been treated fairly, 

Worried about a prisoner?

If you are worried about a prisoner, call the safer custody hotline. There is a list of all the numbers here . If there is no reply, and you believe the prisoner to be in immediate danger, call the prison’s main number and ask to speak to the duty governor.

Contacting a Prisoner

Watch the video opposite or   click on the button below to find out how to contact someone when they are sent to prison. 

How can I contact them?

You can’t phone them but a prisoner should be allowed to make one short phone call within 24 hours of arriving at prison. (Unless they are not allowed to for public protection reasons.) However, this depends on the prisoner knowing your number, as they will not be allowed their mobile phones.

During that phone call they should be able to give out their prisoner number and information about visits.

A ‘pin’ system is then set up with up to 20 personal and 5 legal numbers. This can take a while so do not worry if you don’t hear from your family member within the first week. This is normal.

Many prisons now have phones in their cells but if not, they will need to make calls from the landing at certain times of day.

Once you have their prisoner number, you can write as many letters as you like and send in photographs but these must not include pictures of the prisoner. You can also sign up to email a prisoner . Once the prisoner has their pin system set up they will be able to make calls during the day as long as they have enough phone credit. Prison voicemail allows you to leave the prisoner a message which they will be able to dial in and listen to and leave a reply.

Family Services at this prison are run by a charity called Pact. They will be able to deal with any specific questions about visiting the prison and they run a friendly visitors’ centre that you can visit before you go in to the prison.  If you have any questions for PACT please contact them here [email protected]

Visiting: Visitors can book visits online. All the details about visiting the prison are here If you have any questions about visiting

Contact details: HMP Lewes, 1 Brighton Road BN7 1EA 01273 581000 For a list of contacts within the prison click here  

Sending in property For details of how to send property into HMP Lewes, click here . 

What happens when someone goes to prison?

Please note – these are general guidelines as some things can vary from prison to prison. There are specific guides for HMP Lewes and Bronzefield on this page

What happens when someone first goes to prison?

Prisoners go through the ‘reception’ process to ensure they have everything they need.

First of all, property will be logged, and prisoners will be allowed to keep some items. Anything they can’t keep should be stored and returned to them on release.

They will also be issued a prison number and should be allowed a shower. 

What if they have health problems? They will be interviewed by healthcare who will find out their physical and mental health needs and find out what medication they need. Healthcare will not normally discuss these issues with you as they are confidential but should be willing to receive information from you that might be helpful to the prisoner. Please contact us for help in doing this.

When will I hear from them? They should also be allowed a short phone call within the first 24 hours in which they should give you details of how to visit and their prisoner number. Then there may be a delay in hearing from them as their phone PIN system is set up.  As soon as you get their prison number you can write to them and also sign up for ‘email a prisoner’ which allows you to send and (in some prisons) receive emails.

How will they know how the prison works? Over the next few days, they will receive information and advice from officers and specially trained prisoners who will tell them how the prison systems work such as how to book visits or how to sign up for education and work.

Where can I find out more? Call one of our friendly outreach team who can talk this through with you on 01273 499843

Visiting, Sending in Clothes and Money

Y Please note – these are general guidelines as some things can vary from prison to prison. There are specific guides for HMP Lewes and Bronzefield on this page

Can I visit? Yes most prisoners are allowed around visits a month as well as video visits (see below). Visiting procedures will vary from prison to prison so please contact us on 01273 499843 or look at the government website https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits   See elsewhere on this website for information regarding Lewes. 

Can I have video visits? Yes- there is a new way of doing this called ‘ Video Visits ‘.  This is  replacing ‘Purple Visits’  but not all prisons have moved over to the new system (all pre-booked purple visit calls will be honoured) 1 – Download the app from Apple or Google Pay.

2 – Create your account.

3 – Add any additional participants.

4 – Add your contact (who you wish to have the call with).

5 – Once verified, you can book a video call  .(the process will vary slightly from prison to prison) 

Click here for more information

Can I send money in? You can transfer by Visa, Maestro or Mastercard debit cards, bank transfer, mobile app or telephone banking. For detailed instructions, click here   https://www.gov.uk/send-prisoner-money 

Can I bring in clothes for the prisoner? You cannot usually bring in clothes and property in to the prison. You can post in some items but the prisoner needs to put in ‘an app’ in the first instance detailing exactly what is being sent in. This must be completed and accepted before you send in any items.

If you need any further help, please contact one of our friendly outreach workers on 01273 499843

HMP Bronzefield

How can I contact the prisoner?  You can’t phone, but a prisoner should be allowed to make one short phone call within 24 hours of arriving at prison. (Unless they are not allowed to for public protection reasons.) However, this depends on the prisoner knowing your number, as they will not be allowed their mobile phones. 

During that phone call they should be able to give out their prisoner number, information about visits, and how to send in money. 

A ‘pin’ system is then set up with their personal and legal phone numbers. This can  take a while so do not worry  if you do not hear from your family member within the first week. This is normal. 

I am worried about a prisoner. What should I do? If you have immediate concerns about the mental health of a prisoner, you should call the Family Connected voicemail on 01784 425794. This line is monitored seven days a week 8am to 5pm.  

Can I visit? Visits are now taking place at HMP Bronzefield but with some restrictions. Please click here for latest information

Can I have video visits? Yes- there is a new way of doing this called ‘ Video Visits ‘.  This is  replacing ‘Purple Visits’ (all pre-booked purple visit calls will be honoured)

1 – Download the app from Apple or Google Pay.

5 – Once verified, you can book a video call  .(the process will vary slightly from prison to prison)  Click here for more information

Before the most recent lockdown, visiting times were :  Monday – Thursday 2.00 p.m. – 5.15 p.m. Saturday – 9.00 a.m. – 11.45 + 2.00 p.m. – 4.30 p.m. Sunday – 2.00 p.m. – 4.30 p.m.

  Please note these times may be subject to change when this lockdown finishes, and visits reopen. During COVID restrictions, when visits were last open, residents could have either one two-hour visit per month or two one-hour visits per month.

How many people can visit? In normal times, three adults and three children can visit. During the pandemic, when visits are open, restrictions on numbers are in place. Please check the HMP Bronzefield website for the most up to date information .

Can children visit?    Yes, but due to Covid restrictions, there is a limit on the number of attendees. Additionally, the play area may not be open. Please check with the visits team when confirming your visit. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

What do I need to bring to a visit?   You must take two proofs of address. One should be a photo ID and proof of address e.g driving license or passport, plus utility bill which must be less than three months old.  Children must also bring ID which can be their ‘red book’ or birth certificate.   If you are visiting with someone else, you must also bring proof that you are from the same household.

What can I take on a visit?   Under current Covid restrictions, you can’t take anything with you into the prison except essential medicines which must be handed over for checking to the booking staff. 

Can I claim money for travel expenses? Yes,if you are on benefits or pension credits you can claim money for the cost of your visit and in some cases overnight stays. It is very important that you keep your travel receipts and get a prison visit form stamped by the prison (the prison or visitors’ centre will be able to provide you with this).  https://www.gov.uk/help-with-prison-visits

Can I send money in?

From November 2nd 2020, you will not be able to post money to a prisoner unless you have special permission from the governor. Instead you can transfer by Visa, Maestro or Mastercard debit cards, bank transfer, mobile app or telephone banking. For detailed instructions, click here  https://www.gov.uk/send-prisoner-money 

Can I bring in clothes for the prisoner?

Since Covid, it has not been possible for families to bring in clothes when visiting. However, you can send in books and clothes via the post: please include the prisoner’s name and prison number.

How do I stay in contact?

You can write as many letters as you like and send in photographs but these must not include pictures of the prisoner. You can also sign up to email a prisoner  https://www.emailaprisoner.com/  . Once the prisoner has their pin system set up they will be able to make calls between the hours of 6am and midnight as long as they have enough phone credit. Prison voicemail allows you to leave the prisoner a message  https://prisonvoicemail.com/  which they will be able to dial in and listen to and leave a reply. 

How can I find out more?

For more information about Bronzefield contact:

http://www.hmpbronzefield.co.uk/home/visiting-the-prison.html 

• The weekly online and monthly printed national newspaper for prisoners and detainees

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• Inside Time Reports
• 13th December 2014
• Kent & Sussex , Male Local , Male YOI , Prison Visit

Prison information

Address: HMP LEWES 1 Brighton Road, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 1EA Switchboard: 01273 785 271 or 01273 785 277 Managed by: HMPPS Region: Sussex Category:  Male Link to:   https://www.gov.uk/guidance/lewes-prison

Description

Lewes is a men’s prison in Lewes, East Sussex.

Visit Booking: On-line

Use this online service to book a social visit to a prisoner in England or Wales you need the:

• prisoner number
• prisoner’s date of birth
• dates of birth for all visitors coming with you

The prisoner must add you to their visitor list before you can book a visit.

You’ll get an email confirming your visit. It takes 1 to 3 days.

ID: Every visit

Children’s Visits:

Acceptable forms of ID

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If you have any information that you would like to be included or see anything that needs updating, contact Gary Bultitude at  [email protected]

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Book a visit to prison

You will need to book a visit if you want to see someone in prison. You can book online to arrange an in person visit or a virtual visit with a prisoner or you can telephone the prison Visits Booking Office.

If you haven't visited a prison before you will need to phone to book your visit. You will be provided with your unique visitor identification number. Once  you have this you can start to book online.

Booking online

To book online for an in person visit or a virtual visit you will need:  

• to have previously booked a visit
• the visit reference number for the prisoner
• the prisoner's number
• your unique visitor identification number
• your date of birth
• your e-mail address and contact number
• the unique visitor identification number and dates of birth for all additional visitors (not needed for a virtual visit)

If you do not have these details, you should phone the relevant booking office.

Booking by telephone

To book a visit by telephone you will need:

• the visit reference number for the prisoner 
• the unique visitor identification number and dates of birth for all additional visitors

If you don't have a unique visitor identification number, you can get one from the booking office which you can use for future visits.

If the person you are visiting has just arrived in prison you will need to ring the booking office and they can arrange a visit.

Virtual visits

A virtual visit can last up to 20 minutes. The visitor can use a personal computer, mobile device or smartphone to have this meeting with the prisoner.

All virtual visits are supervised, if NIPS become aware of any behaviour, language or actions which are considered inappropriate, this will result in the visit ending early and possible removal of the facility in the future.

• Guide to arranging an online visit
• Privacy notice  explaining your rights to privacy when you arrange an online visit

Registering for visits

All visitors need to be registered in the prison they are visiting. When you arrive at Visits Reception you need to be photographed, have a scan taken of your finger and you should bring identification.

• more information about registering for visits

Bringing proof of identification to prison

When you first visit someone in prison, you will need to be registered on the prison system as a visitor. You will need to bring proof of identification with you when you are being registered.

• more information about the types of identification needed

Useful links

• Visiting someone in prison

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What to do next

Comments or queries about angling can be emailed to [email protected] 

If you have a comment or query about benefits, you will need to contact the government department or agency which handles that benefit.  Contacts for common benefits are listed below.

Carer's Allowance

Call 0800 587 0912 Email  [email protected]

Discretionary support / Short-term benefit advance

Call 0800 587 2750  Email  [email protected]

Disability Living Allowance

Call 0800 587 0912  Email [email protected]

Employment and Support Allowance

Call 0800 587 1377

Jobseeker’s Allowance

Contact your local Jobs & Benefits office

Personal Independence Payment

Call 0800 587 0932

If your query is about another benefit, select ‘Other’ from the drop-down menu above.

Comments or queries about the Blue Badge scheme can be emailed to [email protected] or you can also call 0300 200 7818.

For queries or advice about careers, contact the Careers Service .

For queries or advice about Child Maintenance, contact the Child Maintenance Service .

For queries or advice about claiming compensation due to a road problem, contact DFI Roads claim unit .

If you can’t find the information you’re looking for in the  Coronavirus (COVID-19) section , then for queries about:

• Restrictions or regulations —  contact the Department of Health
• Travel advice (including self-isolation) —  contact the Department of Health
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations — contact the  Department of Health  or  Public Health Agency

If your query is about another topic, select ‘Other’ from the drop-down menu above.

For queries about your identity check, email [email protected] and for queries about your certificate, email [email protected] .

For queries or advice about criminal record checks, email [email protected]

Application and payment queries can be emailed to  [email protected]

For queries or advice about employment rights, contact the Labour Relations Agency .

For queries or advice about birth, death, marriage and civil partnership certificates and research, contact the General Register Office Northern Ireland (GRONI) by email  [email protected]

For queries about the High Street Spend Local Scheme,  email  [email protected] .

For queries about:

• Car tax, vehicle registration and SORN contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), Swansea  
• Driver licensing and tests, MOT and vehicle testing contact the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA), Northern Ireland

For queries about your identity check, email [email protected] .

For queries or advice about passports, contact  HM Passport Office .

For queries or advice about Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), including parking tickets and bus lane PCNs, email  [email protected]

For queries or advice about pensions, contact the  Northern Ireland Pension Centre .

If you wish to report a problem with a road or street you can do so online in this section .

If you wish to check on a problem or fault you have already reported, contact DfI Roads .

For queries or advice about historical, social or cultural records relating to Northern Ireland, use the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) enquiry service .

For queries or advice about rates, email [email protected]

For queries or advice about  60+ and Senior Citizen SmartPasses (which can be used to get concessionary travel on public transport), contact  Smartpass - Translink .

If you have a question about a government service or policy, you should contact the relevant government organisation directly .  We don't have access to information about you.

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Lewes Prison Information

• Accommodation: The prison consists of multiple residential units with individual cells or shared accommodation for inmates. The cells are equipped with basic amenities, including beds, personal storage, and sanitation facilities.
• Education and Vocational Training: Lewes Prison provides educational programs to help inmates improve their literacy, numeracy, and other skills. Vocational training opportunities are also offered to enhance employment prospects upon release.
• Work Opportunities: Inmates have access to work opportunities within the prison, such as maintenance, cleaning, kitchen, and other designated roles. These work activities aim to develop skills, a sense of responsibility, and a work ethic.
• Healthcare: Lewes Prison has an on-site healthcare unit staffed with medical professionals who offer primary healthcare services to prisoners. Mental health support, substance abuse programs, and specialist services are also available.
• Sports and Physical Activities: The prison promotes physical fitness and well-being by providing access to sports facilities and organized activities. These activities aim to promote positive lifestyle choices and encourage teamwork.
• Family Contact: Lewes Prison recognizes the importance of maintaining family relationships and supports visits and contact with family members, subject to specific guidelines and regulations.
• Resettlement Support: The prison offers pre-release planning and support to help inmates prepare for their eventual release. This may include assistance with accommodation, employment, and access to community-based support services.

Contact Information

Booking a visit to lewes prison.

Unlimited Prison Phone Calls Package

• Be on the prisoners visits list
• Book your visit in advance
• Have the required ID when you visit
• At least one visitor must be over 18

Lewes Prison

Tel: 01273 785 100  –  1 Brighton Road, Lewes BN7 1EA

HMP Lewes is a local remand prison, holding both male adults and young offenders. When the prison was originally built in the 1950s, it was well outside the town of Lewes; however, over time the town has expanded and now the prison is only half a mile from the town centre. It was updated in 2008 and has a capacity of 742. If you’d like to visit HMP Lewes, please refer to the map on this page for directions.

Tel: 01273 785 100

Operational capacity: 742

1 Brighton Road, Lewes BN7 1EA

Prison Phone have been reducing the cost of calls from HMP Lewes since 2013. Our secure system works with the current PINS phone system to help inmates maintain family ties which in turn aids in rehabilitation.

Send me Lewes prison details via FREE SMS

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Here’s some facts about Lewes Prison

HMP Lewes is a category B local prison in the town of Lewes, West Sussex. Opened in 1853, the prison has capacity to hold 742 male inmates.

A wing provides drug and alcohol support for 134 prisoners. C wing has 150 places for sentenced and unconvicted prisoners. F wing has 147 places for both unconvicted and convicted sex offenders and others requiring protection. F1 landing is the first night and induction centre housing 30 prisoners. G wing is a care and support unit and has units for 23 vulnerable and at risk prisoners. K wing is a drug and alcohol detox unit for 22 prisoners. L wing and M wing have 80 and 94 places for sentenced category C or D prisoners respectively. The health care unit has space for 12 prisoners.

Khalid Masood , the terrorist shot dead after leading the Westminster attack of 2017, spent time here after convictions of assault, GBH and possession of an offensive weapon.

Staff at Lewes recieved pay rises of upnto £5,000 in February 2017 after a parliamentary announcement made by Elizabeth Truss.

To view the latest inspection report from the HMIP, click here .

Visiting hours are 9:30 – 11:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and 14:10 – 15:35 Monday to Sunday.

300 Finnish grenadiers were held at HMP Lewes during the Crimean War.

In 2004, the prison officially opened its new healthcare suite, which features a 19 bed facility for assessing the mental health of the inmates.

HMP Lewes’ most notorious inmate was Reggie Kray.

Prison Phone offers phone tariffs that reduce the costs of calls from this prison by up to 75%! This enables prisoners to get the support and love that they are missing from home, while reducing costs for the inmate. Find out more below.

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Lewes Prison Visiting Group (part of LOSRAS)

Lewes Prison Visiting Group  is part of  Lewes Organisation in Support of Refugees & Asylum Seekers  (LOSRAS). It is a volunteer-run group and has been visiting people being detained post-sentence under immigration control at HMP Lewes since 2004.  The group also works locally to promote awareness of issues affecting refugees and asylum seekers.

For more information about volunteering with the group or, if you know someone held in HMP Lewes , and wanted to receive  the support of a visitor, please contact the organisation directly.

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The Good Book of Prisons

What's good in prisons across England & Wales

The Officers said relations between staff and prisoners were good and safety had improved markedly. They felt Keywork had significantly improved relationships, and dynamic security, while an x-ray machine on reception had reduced smuggling. Resettlement services, and the role of probation, were highlighted, as was the gym, which was a positive for both prisoners and staff. The No. 1 was praised as someone who is ‘visible & approachable’, ‘encourages & listens to staff’ and ‘cares about both prisoners & staff’ and they valued the Governor’s weekly rounds, and commitment to improvement. Staff jailcraft, support for one another and commitment were also highlighted.

Managers also felt staff-prisoner relations were good (‘prisoners often remark on this’). They also valued Keywork, and noted its impact on resettlement, which was another area they too saw as a strength, highlighting the role of probation and regular job fairs. The gym was ‘excellent’, including the sports leadership course (linked to Brighton & Hove Albion). Cleanliness, plants & greenery, and artwork on the walls, were seen as a positive for all. They highlighted monthly family visits, and improved visits facilities, and felt equalities & diversity was a particular strength, noting a wide range of activities, good support for trans prisoners and a number of staff trained in trans awareness. The monthly ‘Lewes Community Group’ meeting between SMs and prisoner wing reps was rated too.

Prisoners praised staff (‘kind’, ‘caring’, ‘they treat you like a human’) and relations with them, and described safety as ‘good’. They too rated Keywork and its impact (‘a really good thing’), and the gym (‘great facilities’). They also valued the monthly ‘Community Group’ meetings, chaired by the Dep, and agreed that equalities & diversity, with a range of reps and regular meetings with managers, was a strength. Activities for older prisoners were highlighted too.

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