HMP Lewes: Visiting Information, History & How to Save on Prison Calls

HMP Lewes is a Category B local prison located in Lewes, East Sussex, England. The prison mainly houses adult male prisoners, including those on remand awaiting trial or sentencing, as well as some sentenced prisoners.

As a local prison, HMP Lewes plays a vital role in the criminal justice system by holding men from the surrounding area, often at the earliest stages of their sentence. This makes it a fast-paced environment where the population changes frequently. It’s also a key site for resettlement planning and rehabilitation.

A Short History of HMP Lewes

HMP Lewes was originally opened in 1853 and, like many Victorian prisons, has a long and complex history. Built in a traditional radial design, it was intended to hold both male and female prisoners, though today it houses only men.

Over the years, the prison has been modernised and expanded, but much of its original architecture still stands. It has faced challenges common to older prisons, including overcrowding and outdated facilities, but it remains a central part of the South East’s prison estate.

During both World Wars, the prison was also used to hold military prisoners and conscientious objectors. Its long history makes it one of the oldest operational prisons in England.

Prison Category and Capacity

HMP Lewes is classified as a Category B local prison, meaning it holds prisoners who do not require maximum security but who still pose a higher risk than those in Category C establishments.

The prison has an operational capacity of around 723 prisoners, though this can fluctuate depending on population pressures. As a local prison, many people are held there for short periods before being transferred elsewhere or released.

Daily Life Inside HMP Lewes

Because HMP Lewes houses both sentenced prisoners and those on remand, daily routines can vary significantly. Prisoners may attend education or vocational training, work in prison industries, or spend time in structured association periods.

The prison has a healthcare unit, education department, gym, chaplaincy, and workshops. As with many older prisons, space is limited, but staff aim to provide access to purposeful activity wherever possible.

The prison works with several charities and partner organisations to support rehabilitation and mental health, including services for substance misuse and resettlement support prior to release.

Challenges and Inspections

Like many older prisons, HMP Lewes has faced significant challenges in recent years. Reports from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons have highlighted issues such as overcrowding, staffing shortages, and violence.

The physical condition of the prison is also an ongoing concern, with some areas in need of modernisation. However, efforts have been made to improve staff-prisoner relationships and provide more structured activity, particularly for prisoners serving longer sentences.

The prison has also invested in drug reduction measures and tighter security to combat contraband entering the prison, including phones and synthetic drugs.

Visiting HMP Lewes

Visiting a loved one in HMP Lewes is an important part of rehabilitation and maintaining family ties. Visits are allowed for approved visitors only, and all bookings must be made in advance.

HMP Lewes is located close to the town centre, making it relatively easy to reach by train or bus. The nearest station is Lewes, which is a short walk or taxi ride from the prison. Parking is limited nearby, so public transport is often the easiest option.

Visiting Times (may vary):
Monday to Friday: 13:45 – 16:00
Saturday and Sunday: 09:30 – 11:30 and 13:45 – 16:00

Visitors must bring valid photo ID and go through airport-style security checks. Only small amounts of money are allowed for refreshments in the visiting hall.

Cheaper Calls from HMP Lewes

Phone calls are one of the most important ways prisoners can stay connected to family and friends. At HMP Lewes, prisoners can make calls from phones in their cell or wing to pre-approved numbers only.

However, calling a mobile number from prison is expensive typically around 25p per minute, which quickly adds up. This can place a financial strain on families trying to maintain regular contact.

With CallFromPrison.co.uk, families can significantly cut the cost of prison calls by using a virtual landline number. Instead of paying the mobile rate, your loved one can call a local landline number, which is much cheaper.

How it works:
- You choose a local landline number when you sign up.
- Your loved one adds this number to their PIN list.
- They call it at the landline rate, and it connects directly to your mobile.

Many families save hundreds of pounds a year, making it easier to stay in touch without worrying about the cost.

Research shows that prisoners who maintain strong family ties are less likely to reoffend after release. Regular phone calls can help maintain those vital relationships, offer emotional support, and keep families involved in the prisoner’s rehabilitation journey.

Unfortunately, the high cost of calls from prison can make this difficult, which is why services like CallFromPrison.co.uk are so valuable. With a virtual landline, you can stay connected more often and for longer — without worrying about expensive phone bills.

HMP Lewes is one of England’s oldest prisons, playing a key role in holding remand and sentenced prisoners from across Sussex and beyond. While it faces challenges with overcrowding and infrastructure, it remains a crucial part of the prison system, providing rehabilitation opportunities and vital support services.

For families with loved ones inside, communication is key and with CallFromPrison.co.uk, staying in touch doesn’t have to cost a fortune.