Prison Information Guides

Helpful resources for understanding how the prison system works

Abstract illustration for a guide about prison visits — not a photograph of a facility.

How Prison Visits Work

A complete guide to visiting someone in prison, including booking, rules, and what to expect.

Abstract illustration for visitor guidance — not a photograph of a facility.

What to Wear to a Prison Visit

Practical guidance on dress codes, footwear, and accessories so you are not turned away at the gate before a visit.

Abstract illustration for visitor belongings — not a photograph of a facility.

What Can You Bring to a Prison Visit

What to bring to a prison visit in England and Wales: the accepted ID list, what goes in the locker, banned items, and food, gift and money rules.

Abstract illustration for prison grooming guidance - not a photograph of a facility.

Can You Get Haircuts in Prison?

Yes — people in prison can usually get haircuts. How barbers, booking, and frequency work in England and Wales (US systems differ).

Abstract illustration for prison jewellery guidance - not a photograph of a facility.

Can You Have Piercings in Prison?

General guidance on piercings in prison, jewellery restrictions, searches, healthcare issues, and why local rules matter.

Abstract illustration for reception into custody — not a photograph of a facility.

What Happens When Someone Goes to Prison

England and Wales reception and first days: intake, first night, induction — and how US systems differ.

Abstract illustration for sentencing guidance — not a photograph of a facility.

How Prison Sentences Work

England and Wales sentence types — determinate, EDS, life/IPP — and why automatic release points depend on the rules that apply to that sentence.

Abstract illustration for daily life in custody — not a photograph of a facility.

Life Inside Prison

What people in England and Wales prisons typically do all day — regime, work, education, meals, and association — and how US systems differ.

Abstract illustration for prison categories — not a photograph of a facility.

Prison Categories Explained

Understanding the different security categories and what they mean for prisoners.

Abstract illustration for legal rights in custody — not a photograph of a facility.

Rights of Prisoners

What rights prisoners keep in England and Wales — human rights, healthcare, legal contact, voting rules — what they lose, and how to complain.

Abstract illustration for prison mail guidance - not a photograph of a facility.

Can You Send Pictures in Prison Letters?

General guidance on sending photographs in prison mail, common restrictions, and why every prison's mailroom rules should be checked first.

Abstract illustration for prison eyewear guidance - not a photograph of a facility.

Can You Wear Glasses in Prison?

General guidance on prescription glasses in prison, property rules, replacement issues, and why healthcare and local prison routines matter.

Abstract illustration for finding a UK prison address — not a photograph of a facility.

How to Find a UK Prison Address

Find a UK prison’s postal address, postcode and switchboard number, then open that establishment’s contact-details page instead of relying on forum posts.