Belmarsh Prison information
Prison visits are temporarily suspended following instructions for people to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives. We will update here as soon as this changes. You can also follow @HMPPS on Twitter and read a rolling update page.
There are a number of other ways to contact someone in prison if you are unable to visit them. You can:
- leave a voice message using the Prison Voicemail Service
- send them an email using the email a prisoner service
- write to them
You can also contact the Prisoners’ Families Helpline on 0808 808 2003.
Belmarsh became operational on 2nd April 1991, and is a local prison, serving primarily the Central Criminal Court and magistrates Courts in SE London. In addition the establishment serves Crown and Magistrates Courts in SW Essex. Belmarsh has a dual role in that it also holds Category A prisoners.
Address:
Western Way
Thamesmead
London
SE28 0EB
Tel: 020 8331 4400
Fax: 020 8331 4401
Governor: Rob Davis OBE
Operational capacity: 910 as of 25th July 2008
Accommodation: A mixture of approximately 60% multi occupancy cells and 40% single cells, distributed mainly across 4 residential units.
Reception criteria: In common with all other local prisons, Belmarsh accepts a wide variety of categories of prisoners, in addition to its commitment to the Category A estate.
Latest inspection report: HMP Belmarsh - June 2018 (PDF)
Latest action plan: HMP Belmarsh - September 2018 (PDF)
