| General Information | Inspections |
| Visits and getting there | Regimes |
| Local News | |
Key data and contact details
| Name or Prison | HMP Drake Hall |
| Address: | Eccleshall, Staffordshire, ST21 6LQ |
| Other contact details: | |
| Web Site: | |
| Email: | |
| Main switchboard: | 01785 774100 |
| At Risk hotline: | |
| Fax: | 01785 774010 |
| Visits booking number: | 0300 060 6501 |
| Visits booking email: | visitsbooking.westmidlands@noms.gsi.gov.uk |
| Visits booking txt number: | |
| Type of Prison: | Female |
Drake Hall, near Eccleshall in Staffordshire, has had a varied history — built as wartime accommodation for female munitions workers, later a teacher training college, and briefly a men’s open prison — before becoming a women’s prison in 1974. It now operates as a closed resettlement prison for women, with a smaller open unit for those nearing release added in 2015.
The most recent independent inspection, in July and August 2024, rated Drake Hall “good” for safety, respect and preparation for release, and “reasonably good” for purposeful activity — among the more positive assessments in the women’s estate. Inspectors found women were never locked in their rooms during the day and had good access to education and work, alongside strong staff relationships and specialist support including a domestic abuse officer and eating disorder specialist. They did flag unnecessary restrictions on outdoor time and gym and library access, and inconsistent use of temporary release from the closed unit.
Given how far from home many women at Drake Hall are held, families may find the practical visiting and contact details above particularly useful for planning ahead.