Leicester

Role and background

HMP Leicester is a men's prison in Leicester city centre.

Inside the prison and daily life

Its accommodation is predominantly shared, with daily life organised within a compact establishment. The establishment also has a gym offering fitness activity and courses in healthy living and first aid.

Education includes English, maths, English for speakers of other languages, art, construction safety, food production, cleaning, customer service and barista training. Jobs include contract services, recycling, laundry, wing cleaning, painting and catering.

All prisoners undertake English and maths assessment to guide learning options. Individual plans then set goals, while employer demonstrations and interview preparation can help connect those goals with practical next steps.

Employment and resettlement hubs support learning plans, employability workshops, employer contact and preparation for release. The approach links assessments of basic skills with practical training and future job opportunities. Temporary release is available only to eligible prisoners, and most men at Leicester will not qualify.

Visiting and family contact

Family contact is another part of the picture. Before travelling, relatives should confirm current booking arrangements, identification requirements, accessibility support and rules on permitted items. Timetables and available services can change, so an overview should be used alongside up-to-date visiting information.

Practical advice before you make arrangements

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

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