Visiting Information

Social visits

Tue - Sun: 13:45 - 15:45

There are no visits on Mondays, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day or Good Friday.

Official visits

Tue - Sun: 14:00 – 14:30, 14:30 – 15:00, 15:00 – 15:30

There are 5 Legal visit rooms available where 30 minute appointments can be booked.

Booking information:

• Booking line - 01670 762551.
• The visits booking line is open Mon – Thurs 9.00 - 11.30 & 13.30 – 16.00 Friday 09.00 – 11.30 & 13.30 - 15.00.
• Visits must be booked 48 hours in advance.
• The Person booking the visit must have a valid VO in their possession.
• Tell the booking clerk if wheelchair access is needed.

Additional information: There are no visits on Mondays, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day or Good Friday.

Visiting Orders:

• Visiting Orders (VOs) are valid for 28 days from the date of issue.
• Privileged Visiting Orders (PVOs) are valid for 28 days from the date of issue. They cannot be used on a weekend.
• The VO is valid for ONE visit only.
• Only 3 adults are allowed on each VO (Any persons over the age of 12 are classed as adults for seating purposes). Governor's approval must be sought for larger immediate families.
• Children and young people under 18 are not allowed to visit without an adult. Unescorted children cannot stay in the Visitor Centre.

Family and Friends Support Centre:

Acklington's Family and Friends Support Centre is run by the NEPACS organisation and is directly situated outside the establishment which is also shared by HMYOI Castington visitors where all social visitors are required to book in. The centre has a range of facilities including toilets, children's play area, baby changing facilities and a refreshment bar which serves a range of sandwiches and drinks. The centre is accessible to all and the staff who work in the centre are there to assist you.

Telephone number: 01670 382066 (12:30-16:30).

Threatening, abusive, or discriminatory behaviour will not be tolerated.

You may be entitled to help with your travel expenses the centre staff will advise and provide you with the correct information or you can visit the Prison Visits Scheme page for more information.

Visits Hall

Entry will not be allowed after 15.15 unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Consent to be searched and proof of identification are conditions of entry. Warning notices about the possession of controlled drugs and the consequences are displayed at the gate. All visitors are asked to read them carefully. Closed Circuit Television cameras are in operation and a passive drug dog may also be used. Threatening, abusive, or discriminatory behaviour will not be tolerated.

All Visitors are required to provide proof of identity, or they will be refused entry. The following photo-bearing identification is acceptable alone:

• Passport
• Driver's Licence
• Citizen card
• Employer's ID

Two or more of the following documents are required if there is no photo bearing identification:

• Rail/bus passes photo bearing
• Cheque book/credit/debit card with signature
• Young persons proof of age card
• Trade or Student union membership card
• Birth/Marriage certificates

All Children will also need to have identification.

• Passport
• Birth certificate
• Bus Pass

This is not an exhaustive list. Please check with the booked visits clerk for other valid forms of identification.

What can I take into the Visits Hall?

• £10 in COINS (no notes)
• Prescribed Medication if necessary during the visit

With a small child:

• 2 nappies
• 1 small travel pack of baby wipes
• 1 factory sealed bottle of milk/juice
• 1 factory sealed jar of baby food & a small plastic feeding spoon
• 1 dummy
• 1 baby grow & 1 bib
• Pushchair or baby carrier

No padded or material carrier bags. All other items, including mobile telephones and credit/debit cards should be placed in the Visitor Centre Lockers.

What is available in the Visits Hall?

The Visits Hall is accessible for those using wheelchairs. The centre has a range of facilities including toilets, children's play area, baby changing facilities and a refreshment bar which serves a range of sandwiches, sweets and drinks. The centre is accessible to all and the staff who work in the centre are there to assist you.

 

How to get there:

• Arriva Service 518 for Alnwick leaves the Haymarket Bus Station hourly at 45 minutes past the hour and stops outside the prison. It returns hourly at 30 minutes past the hour.
  
• The nearest train stations are either Alnmouth or Morpeth.
  
• Travel North on the A1 following the signs for North and Morpeth. Remain on the A1 past Morpeth. Approximately 6 miles north of Morpeth, after passing the sign for Causey Park Bridge and the Oak Inn on the left, take the first turning right, signposted Acklington/Widdrington. After approximately 2 miles, turn left at crossroads and after 200 yards take first right turn for Acklington. Continue over the level crossing and follow signs for Acklington Prison for approximately 2 miles. Take a left turning signposted HM Prison.
  
• Visitors parking is situated on the right of the approach road for Acklington and Castington. Visitors must not park directly in front of the prison. Any vehicles illegally parked will receive a parking ticket issued by an independent company.

HMP ACKLINGTON OPERATES A SAFER PRISONS PROGRAMME. IF YOU THINK THAT A PRISONER MAY BE AT RISK OF HARM (HARM FROM THEMSELVES, HARM FROM OTHERS OR HARM TO OTHERS) PLEASE CONTACT OUR SAFER PRISONS TEAM ON 01670 762518.

HMP Acklington operates a strict Drug Supply Reduction Policy. Any visitors under pressure to bring drugs into the establishment should leave a message on the confidential help line. Any information on smuggling or other issues of importance to the security of the prison you can leave a message on this line which again is confidential and checked daily:

The Prison Families Helpline: 0808 808 2003

You may be entitled to help with your travel expenses. Please visit the Assisted Prison Visits Scheme page for more information.