The Mount

Inside the prison and daily life

The Mount is a men's prison in Bovingdon, Hertfordshire. Its accommodation is organised into specialist units, including provision for older prisoners and wellbeing. In-cell telephones support approved contact with people outside the prison.

Education can be full-time or part-time and includes literacy, numeracy, IT, employment and life skills. Subjects described include graphic design, music technology, art, cooking, barbering and business. Distance learning and library services offer further opportunities for prisoners who want to study or improve their reading.

Vocational workshops include warehousing, glass fabrication, woodwork, bicycle upcycling, bricklaying, plastering, car mechanics, recycling, gardening and coffee roasting. Farm and garden work also forms part of the stated provision. This variety shows the intended breadth of activity, although a list of workshops alone cannot establish how much time each prisoner spends in them.

Visiting and family contact

Offending behaviour programmes support rehabilitation and sentence planning. Family services are provided by PACT, while HACRO runs the visitors centre. The Mount's role is therefore best explained through the connections between practical work, education, personal development and maintaining relationships during custody.

Anyone arranging a visit should check the latest booking rules, identification requirements and accessibility arrangements before travelling. Education and work described here are provision offered, rather than a guarantee of individual access or outcomes.

Practical advice before you make arrangements

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

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