hmp lindholme book visit

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https://gds.blog.gov.uk/2014/09/15/you-can-now-book-a-prison-visit-online/

You can now book a prison visit online

Booking a prison visit should be simple and straightforward. Until now that was far from the case. Booking a visit required both prisoner and visitor to jump through hoops: paper forms and drawn-out phone calls. And if the visit date turned out to be impossible, they had to start all over again.

Now you can book a visit online . It takes about 5 minutes. Before, picking an available date was pot luck. Now there's a date-picker that lets you select 3 possible slots instead of 1. It’s a straight-forward service with user-needs at its heart but, if you get stuck, you can call the prison's visits booking line and someone will help you with the booking.

Here's a very short film we've made about it:

By making it easier to book visits, prisoners will see more of their friends and family. Evidence suggests this will help their rehabilitation. Transformation isn't just about websites.

The service was built by the Ministry of Justice, with a combined team from the National Offender Management Service, HM Prison Service and MoJ Digital Services.

For more of the story behind this service, read Mike Bracken's account of his trip to HMP Rochester or check out the service’s transformation page .

Join the conversation on Twitter , and don't forget to sign up for email alerts .

You may also be interested in:

• Prison visit booking: using digital analytics to inform alpha development
• Making prison visits easier to book
• Meet the Transformation team

Sharing and comments

Share this page, 20 comments.

Comment by Pauline posted on 23 August 2015

How do you find out the prisoners number??? so you can go ahead with online booking of a visit?

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 24 August 2015

You can find a prisoner using this service: https://www.gov.uk/find-prisoner However it will be the prisoner's responsibility to get in touch with you to let you know their prison number etc.

Comment by linda posted on 15 August 2015

This service does not appear to work this is day 2 trying to use it

Comment by Olivia posted on 30 July 2015

Hi, If a visit is booked and someone cant make it, is it possible to change the name of one of the people to someone else?

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 30 July 2015

It's best to contact the prison directly if this happens. You can find contact details here: http://www.justice.gov.uk/contacts/prison-finder

Thanks, Louise

Comment by Paige posted on 28 July 2015

Hi my partner was sent to nottingham today, I was on his previous list 4 months ago for a visit. Will that still be on the system all will it have to he put through again if so how long does it take to be approved for a visit? Thanks Paige.

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 29 July 2015

You might want to get in touch with the prison first before booking a visit. You can find the contact details of the prison here: http://www.justice.gov.uk/contacts/prison-finder

Comment by Debs posted on 27 July 2015

Hello Is there a list of prisons where online booking can't be used?

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 28 July 2015

According to the information on this page: https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits , you can arrange a visit to any prison in England and Wales through this service. If you're visiting someone in Northern Ireland or Scotland you'll need to contact the prison directly.

This link also lists the type of visits that are not covered by the online service: https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits so you need to get in touch with the prison directly.

Hope that's helpful.

Comment by c.steer posted on 26 July 2015

So how do I find the booking form to fill in I am new to computers

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 27 July 2015

Here's the link to the booking form: https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits

You'll need this information to complete the form:

prisoner number prisoner’s date of birth dates of birth for all visitors coming with you make sure the person you’re visiting has added you to their visitor list

Hope that's useful.

Comment by Shawnaa posted on 09 May 2015

i have a visit booked which i did online but i do not have a visiting order woll the prison let me in?

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 11 May 2015

Your identity will be checked on arrival to make sure you’re on the visitor list.

Comment by jessicca posted on 27 January 2015

What happens after you book the visit and its confirmed by email do you need the visiting order ?

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 29 January 2015

The Visiting Order (VO) number is generated by the booking system, it is included in your confirmation email and you will need this to change or cancel a booking.

However, if you're visiting a prison the guidance is that you only need your ID, not the VO number. If when you visit the prison you are asked for the VO number you should report this via the Contact Us link on the Prison Visits Booking form.

I hope that helps.

Comment by Ilysa Mcnally posted on 18 November 2014

How late in advance can I book e.g. book a visit today (Tuesday) for the Sunday coming???

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 19 November 2014

Hi Ilysa. Thanks for your question. A visit needs to be booked 3 working days in advance. So in this case, the visit request would have to be no later than Tuesday to allow for a visit on Sunday.

Comment by carole posted on 23 October 2014

How far in advance can you book visits

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 23 October 2014

Hi Carole. You can book up to 28 days in advance. Thanks for your question.

Comment by kimberly posted on 16 August 2015

does anyone know how to cancel a visit online?

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Hmp lindholme.

• Inside Time Reports
• 13th December 2014
• Male Cat. C , Prison Visit , Yorkshire & Humberside

Prison information

Address: HMP LINDHOLME Bawtry Road, Hatfield Woodhouse Doncaster, DN7 6EE Switchboard: 01302 524980 / 524721 Managed by: HMPPS Region:  Yorkshire Category:  Male Link to:   https://www.gov.uk/guidance/lindholme-prison

Description

Lindholme is an adult male prison, near Doncaster, South Yorkshire.

Visit Booking: On-line

Use this online service to book a social visit to a prisoner in England or Wales you need the:

• prisoner number
• prisoner’s date of birth
• dates of birth for all visitors coming with you

The prisoner must add you to their visitor list before you can book a visit.

You’ll get an email confirming your visit. It takes 1 to 3 days.

ID: Every visit

Children’s Visits:

Acceptable forms of ID

Search reports

IMB Reports

Prison Inspectorates Reports

Probation Service Reports

Prisons and Probations Ombudsman

Search the InsideTime library

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If you have any information that you would like to be included or see anything that needs updating, contact Gary Bultitude at  [email protected]

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• Category C - NEW
• Male Cat. C
• 24th January 2017

HMYOI WARREN HILL

• 4th January 2015

6 thoughts on “ HMP LINDHOLME ”

I went on a visit just yesterday and although i have to say i think that its a good thing the prison is doing everything they can to reduce the drug problem with in the jail. How ever i do have to say the attitude of the new staff is disgusting and bang out of order to say the least. And if new policy’s have been put in place with regards to a visitor not having photo identification but can provide 2 other forms of id which is listed and stated on the gov uk website then it needs to be updated asap because i dont have photo id but i take more than is required to prove i am who i say i am which was good enough for the staff at the booking center but i was told i could only take my birth certificate across with my to the prison for the visit and at the next id check point just before you get searched i showed my id which is required when giving the name of who ur visiting. The office at this point then told me that my id wasnt good enough and she required photo id the next time i visit and I tried to explain that i had brought more that this but i had to put this in the locker in the visitor booking center as i was told to by the officer there so is this now a new rule with regards to id or not because if not then someone needs to tell the offices working at lindholme prison because this will cause problems as i tried explain that i had more that what i was showing her at this point but i wasn’t allowed to bring this across with me for obvious security reasons and I shouted at basically and then was threatened with her ending my visit here and now this was before i had even got searched so the visit had not even started but the point is iv never had a problem with regards to my id when iv visited any prison but now this one officer is basically demanding it be photo id which is shown the next time and it wasnt just me she was saying this to either the person who was showing there id was using an outdated passport and she was told to get it updated other wise she wouldn’t be allowed in the next time so which is it is it now a requirement to have photo identification or not because not everyone can afford to pay for something like photo id so this is going to cause problems with the visitor if this is now a rule someone need to keep things like this updated on website on gov uk because its mis informing and very confusing to say The least.

Please someone help.my grandsons in lindholme ands been in since march 2019,he came from ranby.ive sent him money every week by doing it on line like ive always done but now when i type in his name,birthdate,and prison number it just flashes up..the details youve typed in do not match any prisoner in the uk prison system..he now has no money for phone credit or to buy stamps so we cant keep in touch.we keep ringing the prison four days on the trot but no one answers.its causing terrible stress as his sons going up for adoption soon and his grandads seriously ill and ive got agoraphobia.has anyone else had this problem and what can we do.

There is no play area for children the small space that did have some very dirty broken toys is now used as a tuck shop to buy sandwiches, drinks and cake. High chairs are filthy and my little boy has been ill twice after sitting in them. No buggies available either so we have to try and keep a 10 month old entertained and sat on our knees for a hour and half visit. Very dirty poor facilities for visitors, who lets remember have not committed any crime. Although you are treated as you have.

Visiting times not correct on here. Visits are also always late starting and ways early finishing, so much for keeping family connections! Due to distance only get to visit every 6 weeks so very frustrating to then lose 30 mins of every visit! Seems to be one rule for some and another rule for the rest with regards to physical contact on a visit, while half of them end up sitting on the prisoners lap we nearly always get told of if we cuddle to long despite ensuring our hands can be seen at all times!

You should have right to see a doctor prisoners treated like animals

VERY DIFFICULT TO ARRANGE VISIT USING THE PHONE. THE LINE IS ALWAYS ENGAGED. VERY FRUSTRATING

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Lindholme Prison Information

• Accommodation: The prison consists of multiple residential units with individual cells or shared accommodation for inmates. The cells are equipped with basic amenities, including beds, personal storage, and sanitation facilities.
• Education and Vocational Training: Lindholme Prison provides educational programs to help inmates improve their literacy, numeracy, and other skills. Vocational training opportunities are also offered to enhance employment prospects upon release.
• Work Opportunities: Inmates have access to work opportunities within the prison, such as maintenance, cleaning, kitchen, and other designated roles. These work activities aim to develop skills, a sense of responsibility, and a work ethic.
• Healthcare: Lindholme Prison has an on-site healthcare unit staffed with medical professionals who offer primary healthcare services to prisoners. Mental health support, substance abuse programs, and specialist services are also available.
• Sports and Physical Activities: The prison promotes physical fitness and well-being by providing access to sports facilities and organized activities. These activities aim to promote positive lifestyle choices and encourage teamwork.
• Family Contact: Lindholme Prison recognizes the importance of maintaining family relationships and supports visits and contact with family members, subject to specific guidelines and regulations.
• Resettlement Support: The prison offers pre-release planning and support to help inmates prepare for their eventual release. This may include assistance with accommodation, employment, and access to community-based support services.

Contact Information

Booking a visit to lindholme prison.

Unlimited Prison Phone Calls Package

• Be on the prisoners visits list
• Book your visit in advance
• Have the required ID when you visit
• At least one visitor must be over 18
• There may be a limit to the number of visits a person can have. You can check this with Lindholme.

Lindholme Prison

Tel: 01302 524700  –  Bawtry Road, Hatfield Woodhouse, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN7 6EE

HMP Lindholme is a category C prison with a capacity of 1,010. It accepts males over the age of 21 serving sentences of 4 years or over, and is situated approximately 10 miles from the city of Doncaster. The prison is built on the site of a former RAF base, which was purchased from the Ministry of Defence in the 1980s. It opened as a prison in 1985. If you’re planning to visit HMP Lindholme and would like directions, please refer to the map on this page.

Tel: 01302 524700

Operational capacity: 1010

Bawtry Road, Hatfield Woodhouse, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN7 6EE

Prison Phone have been saving inmates at HMP Lindholme money on their calls from the prison to any UK mobile phone since 2013.

We do this by allocating a dedicated and secure local number to your mobile phone, this means when the inmate at Lindholme prison calls the new local number we have provided they will be charged at just the local landline rate (around 10p per minute) rather than the standard mobile rate (which is around 40p per minute).

This in turn helps to stretch the inmates PINS phone credit further and reduces the amount you need to send in for them to top up!

Send me Lindholme prison details via FREE SMS

Mobile number:

Here’s some facts about Lindholme Prison

HMP Lindholme is a category C / D prison in Hatfield, Hertfordshire. Opened in 1985, the prison can hold up to 1,010 male inmates at once.

Accomodation consists of 10 wings (A to G and L wings). There are three large, modern, purpose-built wings (G, J and K). In addition to these, L wing was built as temporary accommodation and contains 30 double cells and currently holds the more vulnerable population. The rest of the accommodation consists of six small units (A to F wings), each containing 64 beds on eight spurs. These buildings were part of the original RAF camp and are sited around the main exercise yard. On A to F wings, prisoners have access to their own rooms, with a room key, and to a communal landing, where there is a refrigerator, television, hot water boiler, shower and toilet.

A brutal attack , filmed on a mobile phone, was carried out, in which a “bully” asks a fellow inmate: “should I break his leg?”. The video was sent to the mother of the victim, who sent it to the Mirror.

To view the latest HMIP inspection report, click here .

Visiting hours are between 14:15 and 16:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

HMP Lindholme has been put up for tender, and it seemed as though private company Serco would win the contract. However, due to issues arising with Serco’s other government contracts, this is now in doubt.

A 2012 report found that there were significant religious tensions within the prison and that the needs of disabled prisoners were not being addressed.

HMP Lindholme is one of the UK’s most cost-effective prisons.

Prison Phone offers phone tariffs that reduce the costs of calls from this prison by up to 75%! This enables prisoners to get the support and love that they are missing from home, while reducing costs for the inmate. Find out more below.

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General Details, HMP Lindholme

HMP Lindholme is located on the site of a former Royal Air Force (RAF) base, approximately 10 miles north of Doncaster. It covers an area of 100 acres within the perimeter fence and was opened as a prison in 1985. During 2011/12 the operation of the prison was put out to tender to the private sector, but it was eventually decided in 2013 to keep the prison under public control. The #1 governor since February 2021 has been Rob Kellett and the prison has a capacity of 924. It is part of the Yorkshire & Humberside region and is run by HMPS.

  Accommodation

• A-F wings, 64 bed each. Prisoners have access a communal area with cooking facilities
• G, J & K wing, 160 bed modern units
• L wing, 60 bed, incentivised substance-free
• A purpose built Segregation Unit was built in 2008 which can hold 22 prisoners
• Return to Lindholme

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HMP Lindholme

From February 2020 arrangements for Ofsted inspection of education, skills and work in prisons and young offender institutions are:

• We usually inspect as part of a His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) inspection and our findings are published in the ‘Purposeful activity’ section of the report on the  HMIP website .
• We may carry out an inspection without HMIP and our findings are published on this website.

 From January 2012 to February 2020 we only inspected with HMIP.

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About HMP Lindholme

• Type: Prison and young offender institutions
• Religious character: Does Not Apply
• Local authority: Doncaster
• Address: Bawtry Road, Hatfield, Woodhouse, Doncaster, DN7 6EE
• Region: Yorkshire and The Humber

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• Crime, justice and law
• Prisons and probation

Hatfield Prison

Hatfield is a prison and young offender institution near Doncaster for men aged 18 and over. It is split into 2 sites, Hatfield Main and Hatfield Lakes.

Help us to improve this page. Give us your feedback in this 2-minute survey .

Book and plan your visit to Hatfield

To visit someone in Hatfield you must:

• be on that prisoner’s visitor list
• book your visit at least 3 days in advance
• have the required ID with you when you go

There may be a limit to the number of visits a prisoner can have.

Call 01405 756509  if you have any questions about visiting.

Help with the cost of your visit

If you get certain benefits or have an NHS health certificate, you might be able to get help with the costs of your visit , including:

• travel to Hatfield
• somewhere to stay overnight

How to book family and friends visits

You can book your visit online , by telephone or by email, [email protected]

Visits booking line: 01405 746 611. The booking line is open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 11:30am Find out about call charges

Visiting times for HMP Hatfield:

• Saturday and Sunday: 2pm to 4pm

Hatfield Lakes site:

• Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 2pm to 4pm

How to book legal and professional visits

Face to Face legal visits can only be booked by telephone using the visits booking line: 01405 746 611. Face to face legal visits will be accommodated on an ad-hoc basis.

Getting to Hatfield

Find Hatfield on a map

The prison is split over 2 sites, which are located approximately 4 miles apart:

HMP/YOI Hatfield (Main site) Thorne Road Hatfield Doncaster South Yorkshire DN7 6EL

HMP/YOI Hatfield (Lakes site) Lancaster Drive Lindholme Doncaster South Yorkshire DN7 6FA

The closest stations to the prison are Thorne North and Thorne South but the service is limited and there is no taxi rank.

To plan your journey by public transport:

• use National Rail Enquiries
• use Traveline for local bus times as there are buses that stop close to the prison

There is limited parking available onsite for visitors, including spaces in the main car park for Blue Badge holders.

Email: [email protected] .

Entering Hatfield

All visitors, aged 16 or older must prove their identity before entering the prison. Read the list of acceptable forms of ID when visiting a prison .

Whilst there is no routine searching of visitors, all visitors may receive a pat-down search prior to entering the visits hall this includes any children present. Security dogs may also be present at the time of visiting, and you may be sniffed by them.

Hatfield has a strict dress code policy, which means visitors should wear smart clothes (no vests, no low-cut tops, no shorts, no short dresses, and no headwear, other than that worn for religious reasons).

Refreshments are available during your visit at both sites.

There are strict controls on what you can take into Hatfield. You will be asked to place any items that are not permitted into lockers at the main gate. You can take in pushchairs, changing and feeding items for your baby.

Hatfield aims to provide an enjoyable visiting experience for families so expects you to be respectful and to always supervise your children.

You will be informed of the rules by an officer at the start of your visit. If you break the rules, your visit could be cancelled, and you could be banned from visiting again.

Please call the booking line if you have any questions about visiting.

Visiting facilities

Hatfield has a cafe in the visiting halls of both sites where you can buy hot and cold food and drinks.

Lockers are available for visitors to store items prior to entering the establishment.

At both sites there are areas set aside for children to play in. Email: [email protected]

Family days

HMP/YOI Hatfield runs several themed family days per year.

The days consist of family activities, crafts and quizzes themed around seasonal events.

Staff run the family days working in partnership with  Reducing Re-offending , the  Prison Advice and Care Trust ,  Novus  and other internal departments.

Keep in touch with someone at Hatfield

There are several ways you can keep in touch with a prisoner during their time at Hatfield.

Secure video calls

HMP Hatfield is not currently able to facilitate secure video calls.

Phone calls

Prisoners do not have phones in their cells, they have phones on their landings which they are able to use to make outgoing calls, Prisoners will have to buy phone credits to make calls these can be purchased from their canteen, calls can be made anytime up to 10pm.

Prisoners can phone anyone named on their contact list of friends and family. This list is checked by security when they first arrive and may take a few days before they are able to call.

You can also exchange voicemails using the  Prison Voicemail service .

Officers may listen to phone calls as a way of preventing crime and helping keep people safe.

You can send emails to someone in HMP Hatfield Prison using EmailaPrisoner.com . Through this service, family and friends can send a message this is then printed out and delivered by prison staff by hand.

Once you have signed up, you will receive an activation link via email which you must click on in order to activate your account and send a message.

You must buy a minimum of £5 credit in order to use the service,which runs at a cost of 40p per email and at no charge to the recipient.

You can write at any time.

Include the prisoner’s name and prisoner number on the envelope.

If you do not know their prisoner number, contact Hatfield .

All post, apart from legal letters, will be opened and checked by officers.

Send money and gifts

You can use the free and fast online service to send money to someone in prison .

You can no longer send money by bank transfer, cheque, postal order or send cash by post.

If you cannot use the online service, you may be able to apply for an exemption - for example if you:

• are unable to use a computer, a smart phone or the internet
• do not have a debit card

This will allow you to send money by post.

Gifts and parcels

Clothing and gifts cannot be sent into Hatfield, instead clothing is allowed to be exchanged during temporary release.  Contact Hatfield  for information on what’s allowed.

Friends and families of prisoners are permitted to send books directly to their loved one or they can order books direct from approved retailers, for the retailer to send directly to the prison.

For the full list of approved retailers, you can read the  HMPPS Incentives Policy, Annex F .

Life at Hatfield

Hatfield is committed to pushing the boundaries and seeking new ways to improve and enhance resettlement in the community. The prison has an ethos of encouraging prisoners to take responsibility for their own lives while also respecting others.

If you have more general questions or concerns about how prisons operate and how prisoners are cared for you can find out more on the Prisoners’ Families Helpline website .

Security and safeguarding

Every person at Hatfield has a right to feel safe. The staff are responsible for their safeguarding and welfare at all times.

For further information about what to do when you are worried or concerned about someone in prison visit the Prisoners’ Families helpline website .

If you have any concerns about a prisoner at HMP Hatfield, contact the Safer Custody team  via telephone:

01405 756 509 Find out about call charges

Arrival and first night

When a prisoner first arrives at Hatfield, they will be able to contact a family member by phone. This could be quite late in the evening, depending on the time they arrive.

They will get to speak to someone who will check how they’re feeling and ask about any immediate health and wellbeing needs.

Each person who arrives at Hatfield gets an induction that lasts about a week. They will meet professionals who will help them with:

• health and wellbeing, including mental and sexual health.
• any substance misuse issues, including drugs and alcohol.
• personal development in custody and on release, including skills, education and training.
• other support (sometimes called ‘interventions’), such as managing difficult emotions.

Everyone also finds out about the rules, fire safety, and how things like calls and visits work.

Everyone is given an induction booklet to keep for their own reference.

Accommodation

Hatfield is split across 2 sites, Hatfield Main site and Hatfield Lakes. The Lakes site is part of Hatfield but is 3 miles away, next to Lindholme Prison.

Hatfield Lakes is the smaller of the sites with 56 double cells. Prisoners can expect to spend their first 3 months at this site. Prisoners then get transferred to Hatfield Main which has 222 rooms.

There is a library and a gym at both sites.

Education and work

Prisoners at HMP Hatfield are encouraged to take part in meaningful activity and gain qualifications by enrolling into education and vocational training or work in one of the prison industries or domestic roles.

HMP Hatfield has purpose-built education suites offering training and education in:

• industry - such as warehousing, maintenance, horticulture, recycling
• retail - such as training as a barista or serving in the farm shop
• charity - which is run by external companies such as  Recycling Lives
• physical education - such as recreational PE programmes, navigation awards, basketball and first aid

HMP Hatfield engage with a large and diverse portfolio of employers who offer paid employment to prisoners via temporary release.

There are also resettlement services that offer advice on housing, debt management and help with finding employment.

Temporary release

At a suitable point after transfer, prisoners may access opportunities via release on temporary licence (ROTL). There is a full and robust risk assessment involving many partner agencies. ROTL allows prisoners to access work, further training and maintain family ties in the community.

Support for family and friends

Find out about  advice and helplines for family and friends .

If you or a member of your family are under pressure to do anything against your will, please telephone this number. You can remain anonymous, and calls are treated in the strictest confidence.

Telephone: 01302 522 607

To contact our head of family provision at HMP/YOI Hatfield email:  [email protected] .

The Head of Reducing Reoffending is our Family and Significant Others (FaSO) lead and is responsible for our overarching FaSO strategy.

Support at Hatfield

Hatfield’s family support provider is the Prison Advice and Care Trust . There is a helpline which offers practical and emotional help and advice to anyone who is affected by imprisonment.

Telephone: 0808 808 3444 Open Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm

Concerns, problems and complaints

In an emergency.

Call 01405 746500 if you think a prisoner is at immediate risk of harm. Ask for the Orderly Officer and explain that your concern is an emergency.

Problems and complaints

If you have any other problem contact Hatfield .

Inspection reports

HM Prison and Probation Service publishes action plans for Hatfield in response to independent inspections.

Contact Hatfield prison

Governor: Mick Mills

Telephone: (24 hours): 01405 746 500 Fax: 01405 746 501 Find out about call charges

Follow Hatfield on Twitter/X

Telephone: 01302 524 600

Updated visiting guidance based on 1 April COVID rule changes

Added link to new safer custody information under Security and safeguarding.

Updated visiting information: Testing for visitors aged 12 and over.

Updated rules for sending in money and gifts.

Added link to information about testing for physical contact at visits.

New visiting times and booking information added.

Updated visiting information in line with coronavirus restrictions.

Updated visit info

Updated visiting information in line with new local restriction tiers.

Updated visiting information in line with coronavirus restrictions. 

Updated: HMP Hatfield visiting times and visiting procedure changes during coronavirus.

added survey link

Prison visits update.

First published.

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