Erlestoke

Inside the prison and daily life

Erlestoke is a men's prison in the village of Erlestoke, Wiltshire. Its accommodation is spread across eight units, with most prisoners living in individual cells.

The regime expects prisoners to take part in purposeful activity. Opportunities include study, vocational training and work across the establishment.

Practical employment includes kitchen duties and work in farm and garden areas. Some roles allow prisoners to gain qualifications while carrying out their jobs, connecting daily activity with skills they can use later.

Accredited offending behaviour programmes form another part of the prison's offer. These sit alongside education and employment rather than providing a single route through every prisoner's sentence.

Visiting and family contact

On arrival, prisoners receive checks on their immediate health and wellbeing and can contact a family member. An induction introduces services, rules, education and the arrangements for phone calls and visits.

The visitors centre provides support for prisoners' families and friends. Staff can explain procedures and help relatives find information about maintaining contact.

Anyone travelling to the prison should check current visit booking, identification and entry requirements. Local arrangements should be confirmed before relying on an older timetable.

Practical advice before you make arrangements

Use Erlestoke's official page below for its current booking route, required identification, permitted items and travel instructions.

Confirm that the person is still at Erlestoke and that your visit has been accepted before making travel arrangements. Ask the prison in advance about disability access, medication or children's needs.