Norwich Prison
Norwich is a prison for men aged 18 and over on the eastern outskirts of Norwich in Norfolk.
Applies to England and Wales
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Book and plan your visit to Norwich prison
To visit someone in Norwich you must:
- be on that person’s 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. Prisoners can have fup to 3 visitors over the age of 10 at one time, plus any younger children.
There may be a limit to the number of visits a prisoner can have. You can check this with Norwich prison.
Contact Norwich 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 Norwich
- somewhere to stay overnight
- meals
How to book family and friends visits
You can book your visit online or by telephone.
Telephone booking line: 01603 708 790
Find out about call charges
The booking line is open:
- Monday: 1:30pm to 3:30pm
- Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 9:30am to midday and 1:30pm to 3:30pm
- Friday: 9:30am to midday and 1:30pm to 3pm
Visits must also be booked by 11:30 on a Friday for weekend visits.
You can also email: SocialVisits.Norwich@justice.gov.uk
Visits must be booked by midday on Friday for weekend visits.
Visiting times
Visits schedule for the reception site: A, B, C1, C2, K, and Ketts:
- Tuesday: A and K wing 10am to 11:30am
- Wednesday: B and C wing 2pm to 3:30pm
- Thursday: M and A6 wing 10am to 11:30am
- Saturday: A and K wing 2pm to 3:30pm
- Sunday AM: B and C wing 10am to 11:30am
- Sunday PM: A6 and M Wing 2pm to 3:30pm
Visits schedule for the Cat C site: F, G, Healthcare and L wing:
- Tuesday: F and G wing 2pm to 3:30pm
- Thursday: F and G wing 2pm to 3:30pm
- Saturday: F and G wing 10am to 11:30am
Visits schedule for Britannia House:
- Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 10am to 11:30am
- Saturday and Sunday 10:00am to 11:30am, 2pm to 3:30pm and 3:30pm to 5pm
How to book legal and professional visits
Face to Face visits can be booked by email: Legalvisits.norwich@justice.gov.uk
Video link legal visits can be booked by email: VCC.Norwich@justice.gov.uk
Face to face professional and legal visits Main site and Cat C:
Main site
- Tuesday: 8am to 11:30am
- Thursday: 8am to 11:30am
CAT C:
- Tuesday: 2pm to 3:45pm
- Thursday: 2pm to 3:45pm
Getting to Norwich
HMP Norwich is situated on the eastern outskirts of Norwich, in Norfolk.
Bus numbers 23 or 24 from City Centre or the train Station go past HMP Norwich. Ask for Knox Road (or simply ask for the prison).
Take a train to Norwich Station (London services are via Liverpool Street). From Norwich Station it takes approximately 20 minutes to walk to the prison. At the main junction outside the station follow Riverside Road (Keep River on your left). At the roundabout turn right up Ketts Hill onto Plumstead Road. Please note the prison is located at the top of a steep hill. Turn left into Barrack Road. The prison and Visitors’ Centre are situated at the end of the road. No special transport is provided. Buses and taxis can be taken to the prison.
From A11: Join A47 (Southern bypass around Norwich) and follow signs for Great Yarmouth. Take the slip road signposted A1042 (Norwich N & E & Thorpe St. Andrew). Go straight over the roundabout and under Railway Bridge. At mini roundabout turn right. Take left-hand slip road by traffic lights (Sainsbury’s should be on your right-hand side) signposted Cromer, Norwich Airport (A140). Follow road up hill to roundabout. Take the second exit, Plumstead Road (B1140), signpost “HM Prison”. Turn right into Barrack Road. HMP YOI Norwich, and the Visitors’ Centre, is situated at the end of the road Parking Limited parking is available on site. Information and leaflets on all the above services can be obtained from the visitors’ centre.
Parking is limited however car parking is free.
To plan your journey by public transport:
Entering Norwich
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.
Incorrect identification could result in refused entry.
All visitors will be given a rub-down search, including children. You will also be searched by security dogs.
Visitors must adhere to the prison dress code that applies. Coats and hoodies may be worn however they must search via the x-ray machine prior to entry. We are aware that it is quite fashionable to wear two layers of trousers however during your visit could we ask that one layer is removed. Ripped jeans will also be permitted. Shorts can be worn however we request that hot pant length shorts are not worn. Miniskirts/dresses may be worn but only if worn with tights or leggings. In addition to this no revealing clothing is allowed.
Please be aware that if you are assessed as being inappropriately dressed the duty manager will be requested to attend and they will decide regarding your entry for your visit.
There will be a small selection refreshments available to purchase on your arrival at the visits centre.
There are strict controls on what you can take into Norwich prison. You will have to leave most of the things you have with you in a locker or at the visits centre, this includes pushchairs and car seats. You will need a £1 coin for the lockers, which is refundable.
You will have the visit rules explained to you by an officer at the start of your visit. If you fail to adherer to these rules, your visit may be terminated, and you could face being banned from future visits.
Call the booking line if you have any questions about visiting.
Visiting facilities
There is a visitors centre at Norwich. serves hot and cold drinks and has a small children’s play area.
Family days
Family Days are an opportunity for families and children to spend and extended period together engaging in play activities and sharing lunch together; 4 Family Days are expected to take place each year split between the Cat C unit and the Main side of the prison. It is expected that up to 12 fathers can take part on each day.
Children’s visits
Children’s Visits are special visits for children to visit their dad/stepdad or granddad so that the family can spend time together in a relaxed setting. These visits can also be for new dads (‘Baby Bonding’ visits) so that they can bond with their new baby soon after birth.
Transition Children’s Visits
Transition Children’s Visits (otherwise known as Brit House Dad’s Visits) for fathers currently residing in the open-conditions part of HMP/YOI Norwich, Britannia House, to spend time with their children at the Play Space in the Visitors Centre, building the families confidence in dad’s capabilities as a parent and preparing the dads for their release.
Keep in touch with someone at Norwich
There are several ways you can keep in touch with a prisoner during their time at Norwich.
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.
Phone calls
Prisoners have phones in their cells to be able to maintain contact with friends and family. 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 public protection.
You can send emails to someone in Norwich 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 Norwich.
Letters
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 Norwich.
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
People in Norwich are given a list of approved items that can be sent to them as gifts. Contact Norwich for more information on what’s allowed.
Family and friends 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.
Make sure to include the person’s name and prisoner number on the parcel.
All parcels will be opened and checked by officers.
Life at Norwich
Norwich 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 Norwich 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.
If you have any concerns about a prisoner at Norwich, contact the Safer Custody team.
Arrival and first night
When a prisoner first arrives at Norwich, 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.
They will get to speak to someone who will check how they’re feeling and ask about any immediate health and wellbeing needs.
Induction
Each person who arrives at Norwich 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 will also be made aware of rules, fire safety, and the day to day regime at HMP Norwich.
Accommodation
Around 750 prisoners live at Norwich Prison, mostly in single cells with some shared accommodation.
There are 10 wings and a special care unit:
- A - induction unit, first night centre, drug treatment stabilisation and maintenance unit
- B and C - for those on remand and trial plus vulnerable prisoners
- D - resettlement unit (also known as Britannia House)
- E - older prisoners unit
- F and G - local discharge unit for low-risk prisoners who are local to the area, serving 24 months or less
- H - healthcare unit
- L - elderly lifer unit
- M - low-risk prisoners serving 24 months or less
- U - special care and segregation unit (also known as the Kett’s unit)
There is a healthcare centre with 24-hour nursing cover.
Norwich has 3 gyms and an artificial multi-use sports area. There are various sports clubs available.
Prisoners have access to a wide range of faith and religious services.
Education and work
Education is offered by teachers across the prison. Courses cover:
- English
- maths
- work, life and social skills
- IT
- English for speakers of other languages
- food hygiene
- first aid
- health and safety
- catering
- painting and decorating
- arts and crafts
- gym instruction
There are work opportunities in:
- printing
- textiles
- packing
- gardening
Norwich also offers drug and alcohol programmes.
Support for family and friends
Find out about advice and helplines for family and friends.
To contact our head of family provision at HMP Norwich email: SocialVisits.Norwich@justice.gov.uk.
Support at Norwich
Family services at HMP Norwich are provided by Ormiston Families.
Family and significant others
HMP Norwich promote contact for prisoners. We have an appointed Family and significant others lead at HMP Norwich and a supportive champion.
To contact our Family and significant others lead at HMP Norwich email:
SocialVisits.Norwich@justice.gov.uk.
Concerns, problems and complaints
In an emergency
Call 01603 708 600 if you think a prisoner is at immediate risk of harm. Ask for the Orderly Officer and explain that your concern is an emergency.
| Contact category | Phone number | Additional information |
|---|---|---|
| Non-emergency | 01603 706387 | Call this number if you have concerns about a prisoner’s safety or wellbeing which are serious but not life-threatening or complete a safer custody contact form on the Prisoners’ Families Helpline website. |
| Staff Integrity Hotline | 0800 917 6877 (24 hours answering machine) |
This number can be called anonymously. If you are concerned about a prisoner being bullied by a member of staff, you can use this number. As this line is managed separately from the prison, you can call this number anonymously. |
| Prisoners’ Families Helpline | 0808 808 2003 | The Prisoners’ Families Helpline can provide confidential support, advice and guidance. |
| Unwanted Prisoner Contact | 0300 060 6699 | If a prisoner is contacting you and you want them to stop, you can use the Unwanted Prisoner Contact Service. You can complete the Stop prisoner contact online form, email unwantedprisonercontact@justice.gov.uk or contact by phone. |
Problems and complaints
If you have any other problem contact Norwich.
Contact Norwich
Governor: Declan Moore
Telephone: 01603 708 600
Fax: 01603 708 601
Find out about call charges
Address
HMP/YOI Norwich
Knox Road
Norwich
Norfolk
NR1 4LU
Help us to improve this page. Give us your feedback in this 2-minute survey.
Updates to this page
Last updated 15 October 2024 + show all updates
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Updated visits booking line opening hours
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Updated visiting guidance based on 1 April COVID rule changes
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Added link to new safer custody information under Security and safeguarding.
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Updated information about how to use secure video calling at this prison.
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Updated visiting information: Testing for visitors aged 12 and over.
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Updated physical contact guidance
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New visiting times and booking information added.
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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.
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Updated visiting information in line with new local restriction tiers.
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Updated prison visits
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Updated prison visits
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Updated safer custody hotline
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Updated visiting information in line with new national restrictions in England.
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Covid update
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Added confirmation of secure video calls made available at this prison.
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added survey link
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First published.