Find out everything you need to know about HMP Bure

HMP Bure is a Category C men’s prison located near Coltishall, Norfolk, in the East of England. It is a specialist prison primarily for sex offenders, with a focus on rehabilitation, treatment programmes, and resettlement planning.

Housed on a former Royal Air Force base, the prison is set in a rural location, providing a structured and secure environment for those serving custodial sentences. HMP Bure plays an important role in reducing reoffending through targeted interventions and education, while also ensuring public protection remains a priority.

For families and friends of those inside, knowing how the prison operates from visits to daily routines — can help ease the stress and make staying in touch more manageable.

History of HMP Bure

HMP Bure opened in November 2009 on the site of the former RAF Coltishall airbase, which had been decommissioned in 2006. The site was transformed into a prison as part of the government’s expansion of the prison estate to meet rising demand for secure facilities.

The prison was named after the nearby River Bure, reflecting its local connection to the Norfolk Broads. Since opening, HMP Bure has developed a reputation for specialist offender management programmes, particularly for individuals convicted of sexual offences. Its primary purpose is public protection through structured rehabilitation, education, and risk management.

Prison Category and Capacity

HMP Bure is a Category C men’s prison. Category C prisons house individuals who cannot be trusted in open conditions but who are considered unlikely to try to escape. The prison has a capacity of approximately 600 men, making it a medium-sized establishment. Prisoners at Bure are typically serving longer sentences and may be progressing through treatment and support programmes in preparation for eventual release.

Life and Routine Inside HMP Haverigg

The daily routine at HMP Bure is designed to be structured, secure, and rehabilitative. Prisoners are expected to engage in purposeful activity during the day, which may include work, education, or attending treatment programmes.

A typical day includes:
- Morning unlock followed by workshops, education, or therapy sessions
- Sex offender treatment programmes for those eligible
- Access to the gym and recreational facilities
- Evening association time, allowing phone calls and limited social activityLock-up at night for security

Education is provided through a partnership with external training providers, offering prisoners opportunities to gain qualifications in literacy, numeracy, IT, and vocational subjects. Many prisoners also work in on-site industries or domestic roles within the prison.

The emphasis is on personal responsibility, rehabilitation, and reducing the risk of reoffending.

Rehabilitation and Support

As a specialist establishment, HMP Bure runs comprehensive rehabilitation programmes, particularly aimed at addressing sexual offending behaviour. These programmes are carefully structured and delivered by trained professionals.

Key areas of support include:
- Sex offender treatment programmes (SOTP)
- One-to-one therapy and psychological interventions
- Education and vocational training to improve employability after release
- Mental health support, including counselling and peer support groups
- Resettlement services to help with housing and employment planning

These structured interventions are designed to reduce risk, encourage personal change, and support successful reintegration into the community once the sentence is complete.

Visiting HMP Bure

Maintaining family contact is vital for rehabilitation, even in a secure environment. HMP Bure provides regular visiting sessions, though they are subject to strict security checks and must be booked in advance.

Visiting Times (typical schedule – always check the latest info):
- Wednesday: 14:00 – 16:00
- Saturday and Sunday: 14:00 – 16:00

All visits must be booked and approved. Visitors are required to present valid identification and undergo security screening upon arrival.

The visits hall at HMP Bure is designed to be calm and structured, ensuring both security and a safe environment for families and friends. Refreshment facilities are usually available, and seating arrangements are managed by staff.

How to Get There:
By car: HMP Bure is located just outside Coltishall, Norfolk. Free on-site parking is available for visitors.
By train: The nearest railway station is Norwich, from which visitors can take a taxi or bus to the prison.
By bus: Local bus routes operate in the area, though planning your journey in advance is recommended.

👉 For up-to-date visiting rules and booking details, check the official HMP Bure page on GOV.UK.

Saving on Prison Phone Call Costs

Phone calls are often the easiest way to stay in touch with a loved one in prison. But calling a mobile phone from inside can be expensive sometimes costing 25p per minute, which adds up quickly.

With CallFromPrison.co.uk, you can cut these costs significantly. By setting up a virtual landline number, your loved one can call at the cheaper landline rate while the call is automatically forwarded to your mobile.

Here’s how it works:
- You sign up and receive a virtual landline number.
- Your loved one adds it to their approved phone list in prison.
- They call at the landline rate instead of mobile, saving money.
- You answer on your mobile without extra hassle.

This service helps families save over £100 per year on average, while ensuring regular communication remains affordable. Consistent contact can be a lifeline for prisoners, offering emotional support, stability, and encouragement throughout their sentence.

Key Facts About HMP Bure

- Opened in 2009 on a former RAF base
- Category C men’s prison
- Capacity of approximately 600 prisoners
- Specialist facility for sex offender rehabilitation
- Offers structured visits and affordable ways to stay in touch

Why Staying Connected Matters

For prisoners, family contact plays a critical role in supporting emotional wellbeing and successful rehabilitation. Consistent communication can reduce the sense of isolation and help maintain a support network for when they are released.

For families, staying connected also provides reassurance and a way to remain involved in their loved one’s rehabilitation journey. With services like CallFromPrison.co.uk, maintaining that bond doesn’t have to come with high phone bills.

HMP Bure is a specialist Category C prison with a clear focus on rehabilitation and risk management. Its structured daily regime, treatment programmes, and resettlement support aim to prepare prisoners for eventual release while ensuring public safety.

For families and friends, knowing how the prison operates from visiting times to call cost-saving options — can make the experience less daunting.

👉 To keep in touch more easily and affordably, visit CallFromPrison.co.uk today and set up your virtual landline number.