Everything You Need To Know About HMP Cardiff

HMP Cardiff is a Category B men’s prison located close to the city centre in the Adamsdown area of Cardiff, Wales. Originally opened in 1832, the prison has served as a key correctional facility in South Wales for nearly two centuries. It houses adult male offenders from across the region and plays an important role in both remand and sentenced prisoner management.

The prison is managed by His Majesty’s Prison Service (HMPS) and is known for its historic Victorian structure, combined with more modern facilities that have been added over the years. Its location makes it one of the more accessible prisons in Wales for visitors, families, and legal representatives.

A Short History of HMP Cardiff

HMP Cardiff has a long and sometimes difficult history. The original building dates back to the early 19th century and has been the site of significant developments in the Welsh prison system. Like many older prisons in the UK, it was originally designed for far fewer prisoners than it currently holds.

The prison became well-known in the early 20th century as a site for executions — the last hanging took place in 1952. Over time, however, the focus shifted toward rehabilitation and modern correctional practices. Major refurbishment work has been carried out to upgrade parts of the prison to meet modern standards, although some of the original structure still remains.

Facilities and Daily Life Inside HMP Cardiff

HMP Cardiff has capacity for approximately 800 prisoners. As a Category B local prison, it holds adult male offenders, including those on remand and those serving short to medium sentences.

The prison provides education and vocational training, including courses in basic skills, employability, and construction-related trades. Prisoners have access to the library, gym, and chaplaincy services. There are also drug and alcohol recovery programmes and mental health support services in place.

Accommodation consists of a mix of traditional Victorian wings and more modern house blocks. While space is still tight, recent upgrades have aimed to improve living conditions and access to rehabilitation programmes.

Issues and Challenges

Like many older prisons in the UK, HMP Cardiff faces significant challenges. Overcrowding is a persistent issue, with the prison often housing more inmates than it was originally designed to accommodate. This can lead to tensions, reduced access to rehabilitation programmes, and strain on staff.

Reports from HM Inspectorate of Prisons have also noted concerns around safety and self-harm rates, as well as the need for improved healthcare and staff resourcing. However, ongoing efforts have been made to increase support services, expand education opportunities, and modernise parts of the infrastructure.

HMP Cardiff Visiting Information

HMP Cardiff is centrally located, making it easier to reach by public transport than many prisons. The nearest train station is Cardiff Central, from which the prison is around a 15–20 minute walk or a short taxi ride.

Visitors must book their visit in advance and be on the prisoner’s approved visitors list. You’ll need to bring valid photo identification, and all visitors are required to go through security checks before entering.

Visiting Times (subject to change):
Monday to Friday: 14:00 – 16:00
Saturday and Sunday: 09:00 – 11:00 and 14:00 – 16:00

There are facilities for refreshments in the visitor centre, and lockers are available for personal belongings that cannot be taken inside.

How to Make Cheaper Prison Calls from HMP Cardiff

Phone calls are one of the most important ways for prisoners to stay in touch with family and friends. At HMP Cardiff, inmates can make calls from phones in their cells or on their wing, but only to approved numbers.

Calls to mobile phones from prison can be expensive, typically costing around 25p per minute. That can add up very quickly — particularly for families who rely on daily contact.

That’s where CallFromPrison.co.uk can make a difference. By setting up a virtual landline number, your loved one can call you at the cheaper landline rate instead of the mobile rate. This can reduce the cost of each call by up to 80%, letting you stay in touch longer and save money every month.

The setup is fast, often on the same day, and there are no hidden fees or contracts. You simply sign up, get your landline number, and give it to your loved one to add to their PIN list.

Rehabilitation and Support Services

HMP Cardiff works with a range of partner organisations to support rehabilitation and resettlement. This includes education providers, substance misuse charities, and employment partners.

Prisoners can access training and work opportunities while inside, helping to improve their chances of finding work on release. The prison also runs resettlement services to support housing, benefits, and employment planning before release.

HMP Cardiff has a long and complex history. While it faces some of the same challenges as many older prisons in England and Wales, it also has strong community links, accessible visiting options, and growing rehabilitation programmes. For families, staying connected can make a real difference to a prisoner’s wellbeing and rehabilitation journey.

Using services like CallFromPrison.co.uk allows you to maintain that vital connection more affordably. If you have a loved one at HMP Cardiff and want to cut the cost of staying in touch, setting up a virtual landline is a smart and simple solution.