Visits are held on Wed, Thu, Sat and Sun between 13:40 and 15:45. You can book online, visit: www.gov.uk/prison-visits. All you need is the name and date of birth of the person you are visiting and their prisoner number. 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, please call 01302 523 289, lines open Tuesday to Friday 09:30 – 15:30. You can book by phone on this number.
Like most prisons, there are no visits Christmas Day, Boxing Day or Good Friday. All visitors must have some form of ID with them and must have been booked in advance. There is a limit of 5 persons per visit with a maximum of 3 adults. There is a small visitors centre with vending machines and lockers for any items which you may not be allowed to take inside the prison like mobile phones.
Getting there
The prison is in a largely rural location, about 10 miles from Doncaster, and is ill served by public transport links. If you are travelling by public transport follow the link and you can get the bus and train connection details, visit the Yorkshire Travel run web site, (click here). It is an excellent way to plan your visits. The basic details are shown below:
- Train: Take a train to Doncaster Station, then follow bus directions below. Alternatively taxi’s are available outside the Station and cost around £12.
- Bus: Buses are available from the Southern Bus Station (01709 515151). No. 68 leaves at half past the hour (no Sunday service). No. 186 leaves at 1255 (Sunday departs at 1330). The journey is approximately 10 miles and takes 30 minutes.
- Car: M1 exit on to M18, junction 5 on to M180, junction 1 – follow A614 towards Bawtry, continue following local directions. M62, junction 35 on to M18, then as above. A1 north to Blyth roundabout. At A 614 north through Bawtry. Turn right at the Esso garage and follow directions towards Thorne.
- There is a visitors car park on the right as you enter the grounds. Visitors must take care not to leave valuables in sight of other visitors.