Visits are held at the following times
- Mon: 13:45 – 15:45
- Tue: 13:45 – 15:45 & 17:00 – 19:00
- Wed: 13:45 – 15:45 & 17:00 – 19:00
- Thu: 13:45 – 15:45 Fri: 13:45 – 15:45
- Sat: 09:30 – 11:30 & 13:45 – 16:45
- Sun: 09:30 – 11:30 & 13:45 – 16:45
You can book online, go to www.gov.uk/prison-visits, all you need is the name and date of birth of the person you are visiting, their prisoner number and details of the visitors. You can choose up to 3 possible dates and times. Prison booking staff will check what’s available and confirm your visit by email. If you’ve made an online visit booking request and haven’t received a confirmation email within 1-3 working days, call 0191 332 3417, the line is open between 0900 – 14:00 Mon; 0900 – 1200 Tue to Fri and 17:00 – 19:00 Wed & Fri evenings.. You can also book visits by calling this number.
There is a visitors centre where you book in for your visit click here or call 0191 3323676 The visitors centre is on the opposite side of the road to the main prison gate (100 yards up the hill). There is a big blue sign on the wall outside. You will need to supply photo ID and proof of address to the staff. When you book in you will be given a ticket on a “first come, first served basis” and then your visit will start in batches of 6 at 10 minute intervals. There are lockers at the visitors centre where you can leave items such as mobiles, cigarettes, food & drink etc before entering the prison. You will be searched before being admitted to the prison. You can take change into the visits hall to buy refreshments.
The charity who run the visitors centre have produced a useful guide to visiting HMP Durham Click here
Getting there:
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The prison is a short walk from the centre of Durham. From the bus station click here is is a 15-20 walk to the prison. After leaving the station turn right and walk down North Road towards the Market Place, passing Burger King, crossing Framwellgate Bridge and passing Marks & Spencer. Stay on the right hand side and go around the corner to Saddler Street. Cross the road and take the first left. From here you will see the Royal County Hotel and a set of traffic lights. Cross the road at the lights and continue along until you see the Visitors Centre on the left hand side.
The train station click here is a 20-25 minute walk to the prison. Walk down the hill from Durham station and cross the footbridge and continue down the road passing Argos on the left hand side, from there you will see the bus station and follow the directions above. A Taxi from the train station will cost around £5.
If driving from A1m follow A690 into Durham City Centre. At the roundabout take the City Centre road and turn left at the next roundabout. At the traffic lights turn left into Old Elvet, the Royal County Hotel will be on the left hand side. Follow the road until you see the visitors centre on the left hand side and report to either the visitors centre or the main entrance.
There is no car park at the prison, use either on street parking with meters or a public car park