Everything You Need To Know About HMP Durham

HMP Durham is a Category B men’s prison located in the historic city of Durham in North East England. As one of the country’s most well-known prisons, it has served different roles over the years, including being a women’s prison until 2005. Today, it operates primarily as a local remand and reception prison, holding prisoners from the courts in the North East.

History of HMP Durham

HMP Durham has a long and complex history, first opening in 1819. Like many older prisons, it was originally built with a traditional design aimed at controlling prisoners through separation and strict regimes. Over the centuries, Durham has been home to both male and female prisoners, and it has undergone numerous changes in function.

For much of the late 20th century, HMP Durham was a women’s prison. However, in 2005, it reverted back to housing male prisoners, following the opening of HMP Low Newton nearby to accommodate women. Today, Durham functions primarily as a reception prison, meaning it takes prisoners directly from courts across the North East region.

Prison Category and Population

HMP Durham is classified as a Category B prison. This means it houses prisoners who require secure conditions but do not need maximum-security restrictions. Because it serves as a local remand centre, its population is diverse, including men awaiting trial, those recently sentenced, and short-term prisoners.

The prison’s operational capacity is around 950 inmates, but like many local prisons, Durham has faced issues with overcrowding. This pressure can impact daily routines, access to education, and prisoner well-being.

Facilities Available and Daily Life

HMP Durham is divided into several wings, each serving different purposes. New arrivals are usually held on induction wings, while other areas accommodate sentenced prisoners, those on remand, and vulnerable prisoners.

Prisoners at Durham follow a structured daily routine, which includes time for meals, exercise, and association with other inmates. Work opportunities and education are available, though spaces are limited and often prioritised for sentenced prisoners rather than those on remand.

Healthcare services are provided on-site, and partnerships with outside organisations support prisoners with mental health needs, drug and alcohol issues, and general well-being.

Rehabilitation and Support

HMP Leeds is not just about confinement—it also aims to support rehabilitation. The prison offers education and vocational training, helping inmates build skills that can be useful on release. Programmes include literacy and numeracy classes, vocational courses, and opportunities to gain qualifications.

Support is also available for prisoners dealing with issues such as substance misuse or mental health challenges. Charities and outside organisations often work with the prison to provide counselling, mentoring, and family support, which are vital for helping prisoners reintegrate into society.

Visiting HMP Leeds

Booking a Visit
Visits to HMP Durham must be booked in advance, either through the GOV.UK online booking system or by contacting the prison directly. Because many prisoners are on remand and may be transferred quickly, it’s important to check availability and confirm details as early as possible.

Visiting Times
Visits are available throughout the week and on weekends, with set afternoon and evening sessions. Times can vary depending on the prisoner’s status and location within the prison.

What to Expect
Visitors must bring valid photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence. Security checks are strict, and you cannot bring personal items such as mobile phones or money into the visits hall. Lockers are usually provided.

The visits hall includes seating areas and basic facilities, with limited options for refreshments. For families with children, visiting can be stressful, but it remains a vital way of maintaining contact and supporting prisoners’ mental health.

Phone Calls from HMP Durham

Prisoners at Durham are allowed to make outgoing phone calls only, to approved numbers. Calls are monitored and recorded, except for those made to legal representatives.

As with most prisons, calls to mobile phones are much more expensive than calls to landlines. For families, this can quickly add up, especially when prisoners are on remand and making frequent calls. Services like Prison Call can make a huge difference, by providing a local virtual landline number that redirects to your mobile, helping your loved one save money and stretch their credit further.

Challenges at HMP Durham

Like many older prisons, HMP Durham faces several challenges. Overcrowding remains one of the most pressing issues, with prisoners often spending long hours locked in their cells. This lack of purposeful activity has been flagged in inspection reports, which call for improvements in education and training access.

Durham has also faced criticism for its facilities, many of which are ageing and in need of modernisation. Despite these challenges, staff and external organisations continue to work hard to provide support, rehabilitation, and safe conditions for prisoners.

HMP Durham is one of the UK’s most historic prisons, with more than 200 years of service. Today, it plays a key role in the North East justice system as a local reception prison. While it shares many of the challenges common to older facilities—such as overcrowding and resource strain—it remains a vital institution for managing prisoners on remand and those serving short sentences.

For families and friends, understanding how HMP Durham works—its history, visiting rules, and phone system—can make the experience less daunting. Whether you are preparing to visit or looking for ways to cut down on call costs, staying informed is the best way to maintain connection and support your loved one.