High Down

Role and background

HMP High Down is a men's prison and young offender institution near Sutton in Surrey.

Inside the prison and daily life

Its six houseblocks contain both single and shared cells, with toilet, sink and telephone facilities. The layout combines residential and activity facilities. Sports provision includes gyms, courts and outdoor pitches, supported by a multi-faith chaplaincy.

Training covers trades such as bricklaying, carpentry, plastering and decorating, alongside customer service and workplace safety. Prisoners can also work in kitchens, cleaning, the library, laundry and gardens. Literacy and numeracy are integrated into vocational courses.

Family provision includes practical support through Pact. Training in food service and cleaning can be combined with recognised qualifications, creating a connection between daily work and structured learning.

High Down works with The Clink Charity, where participants can gain hospitality-related qualifications and receive mentoring after release. Housing and resettlement partners add another strand. The intended link is between what someone learns inside and the practical demands of living and working outside.

Visiting and family contact

For relatives, practical preparation matters. Confirm the correct visiting arrangements, accepted identification, accessibility support and property rules before making a journey. Keeping contact with someone in custody can involve several services, and each has its own procedures.

Practical advice before you make arrangements

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

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