| General Details | Urgent HMIP Notification |
Inspections, |
Regimes |
| Visits and getting there | Work and Education |
Key data and contact details
| Name or Prison | HMP Nottingham |
| Address: | Perry Road Sherwood Nottingham NG5 3AG |
| Other contact details: | |
| Web Site: | |
| Email: | |
| Main switchboard: | 0115 872 4000 |
| Fax: | 0115 872 4001 |
| Visits booking number: | 0115 962 8980 |
| Visits book email: | socialvisits.nottingham@hmps.gsi.gov.uk |
| Visits booking txt number: | 60777 |
| Type of Prison: | Male Cat B Local |
| Courts served: | HMP Nottingham accepts prisoners direct from courts within the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire area. |
HMP Nottingham opened in 1890 as Bagthorpe Prison, replacing the old county gaol, and originally held both men and women before becoming a men-only Category B local prison. It now takes remand and newly sentenced men from courts across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, with a capacity of around 1,060 across seven residential wings.
Nottingham has had a difficult recent history, including an Urgent Notification issued by the Chief Inspector of Prisons in 2021 over serious safety concerns, and a homicide occurred at the prison shortly after a full inspection in 2024. A follow-up review in February 2025 found self-harm and violence had increased further, driven by factors including substance misuse, debt, gang affiliation, and mental health problems, and many prisoners were still not engaged in appropriate activities despite efforts to expand provision. There were some positive developments, including improved key worker support and the introduction of “grab bags” of activities and reading material for prisoners in crisis, though delays in transferring seriously mentally unwell prisoners to hospital care remained a concern.
Given this history, families with a loved one at Nottingham may understandably feel anxious about their safety and wellbeing. You can ask the prison directly using the contact details above, and the Samaritans (116 123, free, 24 hours) are available to anyone who needs to talk.