book a visit in cardiff prison

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Hmp cardiff.

• Inside Time Reports
• 13th December 2014
• Male Cat. B , Prison Visit , Wales

Prison information

Address: HMP CARDIFF, Knox Road Cardiff CF24 0UG Switchboard: 02920 923100 Managed by: HMPPS Region: Wales Category: Male Cat. B Link to: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/cardiff-prison

Description

The establishment holds adult convicted and remand prisoners and those awaiting sentence. It is designated to hold category B and C prisoners, including life-sentenced prisoners.

Phone: 0300 303 2301 Email: [email protected]

The lines will be open Monday to Friday from 09:00-17:00

Visit Booking: Online

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: Family days

Acceptable forms of ID

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

2 thoughts on “ HMP CARDIFF ”

Hi, I have my partner in your prison, he says it’s one of the best he’s been too, not that he’s been to many through crime, it’s through bring passed around. The only complete I have is getting through on the phone for a visit. My example today, I’v been ringing none stop since 9.30 after returning from the nursery run, and I mean none stop as redial, redial. The most annoy thing was I got through 4 times for the phone to be ringing, but no reply. For it then again tone engaged. I don’t get a chance to visit much as I don’t drive, plus I live miles away.so when I get a chance of someone bringing me, I can never get through for a visit. Yes I understand the lines are busy. But it’s so frustrating when there not answered. I’m hoping I now get through this afternoon as I have a little boy who’s not seen his daddy for 6 weeks now. This shouldn’t be his punishment…

Cardiff Prison I am a Cardiff-based writer who wondered whether there might be any opportunity to offer to facilitate a Reading/ Writing group at the prison. G.K.B.

Editorial: You should write a letter to the governor setting out what you would like to do, your qualifications to offer it and how you think it might benefit prisoners.

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HMP Cardiff, Visits & getting there

Visiting information for Cardiff is shown below:

• Mon: 13:45 – 14:45 & 15:00 – 16:00
• Tue: 13:45 – 14:45 & 15:00 – 16:00
• Wed: 13:45 – 14:45 & 15:00 – 16:00
• Thu: 13:45 – 14:45 & 15:00 – 16:00
• F ri: 13:45 – 14:45 & 15:00 – 16:00
• Sat: 09:45 – 11:15 & 13:50 – 15:20
• Sun: 13:50 – 15:20

There are no visits on the 1 st Wednesday of each month, Xmas Day, Boxing Day or Good Friday. For all other bank holidays a “Saturday” timetable runs.

You can book online at www.gov.uk/prison-visits All you need is the name and date of birth of the person you are visiting , their prisoner number and details of the visitors. You can choose up to 3 possible dates and times. Prison booking staff will check what’s available and confirm your visit by email. You’ll also receive your visiting order (VO) number by email. You must bring this with you when you visit. If you’ve made an online visit booking request and haven’t received a confirmation email within 1-3 working days, email [email protected] . or telephone 029 2092 3327 – line open 08:30 -16:00 Mon – Fri.

You can book visits by phone on t029 2092 3327 during the week or by email at [email protected] . Don’t assume you have successfully booked a visit until the prison has confirmed the details with you.

There is a Visitors’ Centre that is open 7 days per week run by a national charity click here . . As at all prisons you can’t take mobiles, cigarettes etc into the prison and these can be left in lockers. You will be searched prior to being admitted to the prison and you need to provided photo ID and proof of address. You can take small amounts of cash in to buy drinks and freshments during your visit.

T he prison is very near to the city centre, any bus taking you into Cardiff passes the prison. The nearest main line station is Cardiff Central, the closest minor station is Cardiff (Queen Street) station about ¼ mile from the prison. If driving from the east leave M4 at Junction 29 where the road splits (Swansea, etc. to the right and Cardiff to the left onto A48M). Follow the dual carriageway and take the third exit (docks/Cardiff east, A4161). Remain on A4161 and follow signs for Cardiff City Centre, through several sets of traffic lights with Cardiff Royal Infirmary and the Blind Institute (Shand House) on your left. After passing the Blind Institute take first left into Fitzalan Road (before the Railway Bridge). From the west leave M4 at Junction 33 signposted Cardiff (Wales) Airport. At roundabout take second exit (A4232) and follow the dual carriageway, after passing through the Butetown tunnel take the first left then take second exit at the next roundabout. Follow this dual carriageway over a flyover, you will then see the walls of the Prison. Turn right and follow the wall – turn left and left again, the multi storey car park is now on your right.

Return to Cardiff

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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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Booking a visit to cardiff prison.

Unlimited Prison Phone Calls Package

Purple Visits for Prisons

The Purple Visits secure video calling platform offers more than just video calls. We offer a feature-rich video calling solution specially designed for use within the criminal justice system.

We are proud to be working alongside the ministry of justice to provide our service across the UK during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Why use Purple Visits

The purple visits system helps you and your loved one stay connected by helping prisons and secure establishments offer a video calling option to their residents.

The in call security features of a purple visit video call means that the service can be offered in establishments that have lower than normal staffing levels.

Our UK based data centres can ensure that our secure and accredited servers have operational uptime of over 99.9%

Cost Effective

Having a Purple Visit is cost effective, meaning that lack of funds will no longer restrict visitors.

The Purple Visits integrated booking system means it's just as easy for prison staff to book a virtual visit as it is for the visitor to request one.

Purple Visits use the latest technology in a seamless fashion to make things easy for the visitor, the people in custody and your staff.

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With a UK based customer support team we are on hand to help both your staff and visitors if they experience any difficulties.

Contact us for a demo

If you are interested in having Purple Visits installed in your prison we can arrange a demonstration and discuss the benefits of our system.

• I'm interested in... A demonstration of Purple Visits Installing Purple Visits in our Prison Upgrading to Purple Visits

The truth about life inside Cardiff prison and the people trying desperately to stop inmates from taking their own lives

• 05:00, 6 AUG 2023

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Beneath the stained glass windows of the prison chapel, 15 men are sat in a semi circle collecting a cardboard certificate and a mug. There's lots of banter and leg-pulling as each receives a round of applause and a handshake from the prison governor. Most of these men are Class A drug dealers. But, as of today, they're also recognised Listeners and can now support their fellow inmates in times of need.

We've joined the Samaritans on their weekly Saturday visit to Cardiff prison as part of the Listener scheme which started 32 years ago in Swansea prison after two prisoners took their own lives in a year. By training up willing prisoners on how to be a Listener, it means there's a team of in-house Samaritans on-call 24 hours a day in case someone at the prison needs to talk.

A runaway success, the scheme now operates in almost every prison in England, Scotland and Wales. Like Samaritans volunteers on the outside, Listeners do an essential task, preventing suicide and self-harm through confidential and non-judgemental emotional support. You can read what it's like to be a listener for the Samaritans here .

According to an analysis by the Office for National Statistics, male prisoners are 3.7 times more likely to die from suicide than the public. In the 12 months to June 2023, there were 88 suicide deaths in UK prisons, up from 70 in the previous 12 months. The latest Ministry of Justice report showed there were 59,722 recorded incidents of self-harm in prisons during the same period.

Behind the banter, the Cardiff inmates are serious. They speak earnestly, almost childlike in their sincerity, as they explain what it means to them individually to be recognised. Bonnie and Alice - for the Samaritans - look on with pride as the men talk openly and mix easily with them all handing out tea and coffee and a selection of biscuits and cakes.

One of the inmates - who I'll call Ed - was desperate to make me a cup of tea in his new mug which he did with touching care and attention. He's been inside for almost a year for drugs related offences, the 36-year-old tells me. The former Barry Boys School pupil thinks long and hard before answering my question about why he wanted to be a Listener.

"Because I thought I could be of help to others," he said. "And I feel quite privileged in here being able to read and write and learn new skills and I can put them to good use." He holds my gaze as he waits for my response. What's prison like, I ask.

"I was very naïve about prison," he continued. "It's a lot of time behind locked doors. It's a daily struggle just to navigate yourself from getting up every morning and going to bed at night."

Does he have any regrets? "My biggest regret would be only realising what's important in life until after it's too late," he said carefully. After a long pause, he adds: "And being in here is what's taught me what's important." He said a series of poor decisions led him to where he is today: "The more you focus on important things in life like home and family and being at peace with yourself and who you are as a person then the less chance you have of being here," he said with surprising insight.

There's undoubtedly a sense of comradery among the men and it feels less like prison than a football changing room. One of the biggest characters, Sam, is on remand for dealing Class A drugs. All of these men are criminals and they've broken the law; even so, 52-year-old Sam has a kindly presence.

Many of the inmates are the same faces time and time again, he said. “We believe we can put something back into the system," he explained about why he joined the Listeners. He works in the prison in the healthcare wing and his ready smile is easy going. "When people first come in, they may not know about the listener scheme," he added.

"Not all prisoners are bad. These people need our help. Some of the calls we go through are horrific. We are the buffer between the staff and the prisoners and they actually listen to us. They may not know there’s something to help them so we can point them in the right direction."

Being a Listener is entirely confidential with Listeners given the same intensive training as Samaritans. Common problems include stress, and relationship problems. Often, once they start talking, the men will reveal trauma from their childhood such as sexual abuse. Those coming off drugs can be psychotic too. Nothing fazes Sam and he believes former drug dealers lend themselves to being a Listener. "It takes a lot of courage for men to talk," he said.

Next to him Ant explained he’d come in at 19 and was now one of the new Listeners: "It’s good to help someone because you feel good about it," he said. He doesn't say much and his words have little emotion. Now aged 21, he doesn't seem too bothered by any of it. When I ask where he's from he says simply: "Pill innit," and gives a explanatory smile. In for dealing Class A drugs, he added: "I handle situations really well, I just get on with it. When you are in your cell you have a lot of time to think. I feel bad for my victims and all the people I’ve hurt."

What skills have they learned with their Samaritans training I ask. They look at each other as they list empathy, how to speak to people, the importance of keeping an open mind and patience.

Rees, 33, is also in for Class A drugs. "Prison does help if you want to help yourself," he said. "If you try your hardest, it can be good for you." He’s been a listener for two years but he is anxious about the prospect of freedom: "Everything is slow and calm in here," he said. "Everything will be fast out there." The inmates are united in their belief that there is minimal support for prisoners when they first arrive and when they leave too. That’s when they really look out for people struggling.

"I do regret what I did," he said. "I’ve lost my business too."

In practice, a prisoner can ask a prison guard to call out a Listener at any time and, if the guard thinks that prisoner genuinely needs a visit, that guard will find out which Listener is on duty and arrange for that Listener to be brought to the prisoner who has requested it to have a private talk. Scot has been in for two years for drugs offences and became a Listener after a call was put out to get men into reception to “meet and greet” new prisoners.

"Everyone is different," he said about new arrivals. "Some are upset, others are cocky." The quiet ones tend to be the one's he'll have a chat to and reassure them that everything will be okay. They all know how hard it is to be away from loved ones.

For Dai, being away from his family is difficult: "The hardest bit is being kept away from my daughter," he said. She was seven when he was jailed and she’s nine now. Aside from family and relationship issues, he reckons around 90% of the men he sees struggling are because of the withdrawal from vapes and/or smoking.

The Listeners are recognised by prison staff and they’re allowed to wander between wings chatting to prisoners and making themselves known. Some prison guards are more supportive of the scheme than others but the governor, Andy, is wholeheartedly behind it. His job is to monitor levels of self harm, suicide and acts of violence and today, he's handing out the Listener awards. "The work you do helps people in crisis," he told the men. "It’s a big achievement because the lessons you learn here are life lessons."

Active listening is a skill many will take away with them. Some are keen to really turn life around, if not for themselves then at least for their families. Dai and Will say they were “caught up” in drugs couriering, tempted by the “easy money” on offer. One drove tankers and the other had a vehicle recovery business. Dai’s only regret is the fact his son was born in the middle of 2020, just as he went to jail.

“I started to chat to people,” he said about the Listener scheme. "I’ve seen a lot of change to myself. Before people would start talking and I would think: ‘Here we go’. Then one day I thought to myself, this boy does have problems. Just by listening and interacting, you go away with a much better feeling." He's started studying a degree in counselling and psychology while in prison and is due out this year.

What they do is a thankless task really, said Sam. "If we don’t enjoy what we’re doing it would be easy to quit," he said. But as Listener they know they’ve “made a difference” and that’s enough.

"Just being yourself is a massive help to me," said Ross. "We are just individuals, it’s just us being real. When you see the change you know that you’ve done that." Dai added: "Sometimes all they really need is a cwtch." It's not a word I'd usually associate with a criminal, but this is a man who regrets what he's done. He estimates he's seen six deaths since he’s been in Cardiff prison. They all know what it means to feel isolated and hopeless.

Sitting slightly apart from the others is Joe, a 23-year-old with a five-year sentence for dealing Class A and B drugs. He was in juvenile detention aged 17 and seems nonplussed by his incarceration as an adult. He’s a newly graduated Listener: “I was aware that people struggled mentally in custody", he said. "This does give people an outlet. I wanted to use my time productively. Five years out of a lifetime isn’t that long."

He's quietly spoken and looks at the floor as he speaks. "I find it easy, all my friends are in jail," he continued. From the Welsh Valleys, the Organised Crime Squad finally caught up with him after years of dealing. It's all he's ever known, he said. "If you’ve been involved in serious crime you don’t find anything intimidating," he added.

He won't be out until 2027 at the earliest and so he'll be familiar with prison life by the end. He knows he "owes a lot of time to my girlfriend" to make up for his dealing days but in the meantime he wants to study business and finance, skills he said come naturally to drug dealers.

Before the Saturday session ends, the Listeners are taken into a private room with Bonnie and Alice for a debriefing session, an opportunity for the men to offload anything difficult they may have heard or wish to discuss. It’s something which happens after every Samaritans shift too and is vitally important to the volunteers to help keep their personal lives separate from what they hear in the job.

Alice works in customer service professionally but is a Samaritan in her spare time. "It’s really rewarding," she said. "They [the prisoners] also really value as well. They know we’re giving up our free time so they see us as equals."

"You do get a good feeling helping people who need support," she added.

"People can be quick to write people off but they still deserve respect and support," said Bonnie over a cup of tea after we've left prison. She explained how many prisoners decide to become Listeners because they’ve been helped themselves by a Listener. They have to go through a security check to get the training but there’s no crime which precludes becoming one.

From that first interview with Bonnie and Alice to receiving their certificate at the end, both women enjoy seeing the change in the prisoners, particularly each man's personal growth and self confidence. The training they get and the perks of a Listener, right down to the green t-shirts they're allowed to wear, is a privilege and the men know that, said Bonnie

"Is it wrong to say that we enjoy it?" she continued. "We’re privileged to be told something they’ve never told anyone."

But as volunteers, they are thinly stretched and keen to demonstrate just how rewarding the job can be. They are desperately seeking new volunteers to join them.

During Covid, they took calls from all professions, and an awful lot of ambulance staff, doctors and nurses. "Some calls do stay with you," they admitted. It's inevitable when you consider the volume of calls they field. The organisation takes five million calls each year, 37,000 of which come from prisoners in the UK. The Listeners inside Cardiff prison have dealt with 432 of their own calls.

"I find it humbling because people will open up to you," said Bonnie. "And when people thank you at the end of a call and thank you for being there, it feels good."

Being a Listener can have its benefits both outside the jail walls and within the social fabric of prisons. It undoubtedly confers respect from prisoners and officers alike, something which is clearly evident during our Saturday visit. As a Listener, prisoners work their way up in the pecking order.

But there can be wider benefits to the Listener scheme too; nearly all the prisoners believe change needs to occur at a multitude of levels, including the wider perception of prisons. There’s a mentality if you are tough on crime and brutalise people, you will, somehow, stop reoffending.

But these men have shown that sometimes, the exact opposite is the case.

*Names have been changed

If you want to learn more about becoming a Listener for the Samaritans, visit the website here .

• Most Recent

What is Cardiff Prison Like?

What is Cardiff Prison Like ? If you’re seeking a detailed understanding of Cardiff Prison, you’ve come to the right place. Cardiff Prison, located in the heart of the Welsh capital, is a category B/C prison housing a diverse population of inmates. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive look into the daily life, conditions, and overall environment within Cardiff Prison, ensuring you get a clear picture of what Cardiff Prison is like.

History of Cardiff Prison: What is Cardiff Prison Like?

To understand what is Cardiff Prison like , it’s essential to delve into its history. Cardiff Prison, officially known as HMP Cardiff, was established in 1832. Initially designed to hold just over 90 inmates, it has expanded significantly over the years. Today, it has the capacity to house more than 700 prisoners. The prison’s history is marked by various reforms and changes aimed at improving inmate conditions and security measures.

Living Conditions: What is Cardiff Prison Like?

When exploring what is Cardiff Prison like , the living conditions play a crucial role. Cardiff Prison offers cells that are equipped with basic amenities. Each cell typically contains a bed, toilet, and washbasin. Overcrowding can be an issue, with some inmates sharing cells. Despite these challenges, efforts are made to maintain cleanliness and hygiene. Regular inspections ensure that health and safety standards are upheld.

Daily Routine: What is Cardiff Prison Like?

What is Cardiff Prison like on a day-to-day basis? The daily routine at Cardiff Prison is structured and regimented. Inmates are usually awakened early in the morning for roll call. The day includes various activities such as work, education, and recreational time. Meals are served at scheduled times, and the day ends with another roll call before lights out. This routine helps maintain order and provides a semblance of normalcy for the inmates.

Education and Work Opportunities: What is Cardiff Prison Like?

What is Cardiff Prison like in terms of education and work? Cardiff Prison places a strong emphasis on rehabilitation through education and work programs. Inmates have access to courses that range from basic literacy and numeracy to vocational training. Work opportunities within the prison include kitchen duties, maintenance, and manufacturing jobs. These programs are designed to equip inmates with skills that can aid in their reintegration into society upon release.

Healthcare Services: What is Cardiff Prison Like?

Understanding what is Cardiff Prison like also involves looking at healthcare services. Cardiff Prison provides comprehensive healthcare to its inmates. There is an on-site medical centre staffed with healthcare professionals who address various medical needs. Inmates have access to mental health services, dental care, and substance abuse programs. The healthcare team works diligently to ensure that all inmates receive the necessary medical attention.

Security Measures: What is Cardiff Prison Like?

What is Cardiff Prison like in terms of security? Ensuring the safety of inmates and staff is a top priority at Cardiff Prison. The prison is equipped with modern security systems including CCTV surveillance, secure perimeter fencing, and controlled access points. Regular security drills and staff training are conducted to address any potential threats. The emphasis on security helps maintain order and prevents incidents within the prison.

Inmate Support and Rehabilitation: What is Cardiff Prison Like?

To truly answer what is Cardiff Prison like , one must consider the support and rehabilitation services offered. Cardiff Prison provides a range of support services aimed at helping inmates cope with imprisonment and prepare for life after release. These services include counselling, substance abuse programs, and family liaison officers. The prison’s rehabilitation efforts are designed to reduce reoffending rates and promote positive behavioural changes.

Visiting Cardiff Prison: What is Cardiff Prison Like?

What is Cardiff Prison like for visitors? Visiting an inmate at Cardiff Prison involves a thorough security process to ensure safety. Visitors must book their visits in advance and adhere to strict guidelines regarding what they can bring into the prison. Visits take place in designated areas where inmates and their loved ones can interact in a supervised environment. These visits are crucial for maintaining family ties and supporting inmate rehabilitation.

Inmate Experiences: What is Cardiff Prison Like?

Personal accounts and inmate experiences offer a unique perspective on what is Cardiff Prison like . Former inmates often describe a challenging environment with strict rules and limited freedoms. However, many also acknowledge the support systems in place that help them adapt and improve their prospects post-release. Listening to these experiences provides valuable insights into life inside Cardiff Prison.

FAQs About What is Cardiff Prison Like

What is Cardiff Prison Like for New Inmates? New inmates at Cardiff Prison undergo an induction process to familiarize them with prison rules and available services.

How Does Cardiff Prison Address Overcrowding? Cardiff Prison manages overcrowding through cell-sharing policies and regular assessments to ensure safety and comfort.

What is Cardiff Prison Like in Terms of Rehabilitation Programs? Cardiff Prison offers a variety of rehabilitation programs focusing on education, work, and personal development.

What are the Visiting Hours at Cardiff Prison? Visiting hours are typically scheduled in advance, with specific time slots allocated to ensure orderly and secure visits.

How Can Families Support Inmates in Cardiff Prison? Families can support inmates by maintaining regular contact through visits, letters, and phone calls.

What is Cardiff Prison Like Compared to Other UK Prisons? Cardiff Prison shares similarities with other category B/C prisons but has unique programs and a specific inmate demographic.

Are There Opportunities for Inmates to Pursue Higher Education? Yes, inmates at Cardiff Prison can pursue higher education courses in collaboration with external educational institutions.

What Measures Are in Place to Ensure Inmate Safety? Cardiff Prison has robust security measures including CCTV, controlled access, and regular security drills.

What is Cardiff Prison Like for Female Inmates? Cardiff Prison primarily houses male inmates; female inmates are typically housed in different facilities.

How Does Cardiff Prison Handle Medical Emergencies? Medical emergencies are managed by the on-site healthcare team, with protocols in place for quick response and hospital transfers if necessary.

Summary and Conclusion

In summary, understanding what is Cardiff Prison like involves looking at various aspects of prison life, from living conditions and daily routines to rehabilitation programs and security measures. Cardiff Prison strives to provide a structured environment focused on rehabilitation and support, despite the challenges it faces. For more detailed information on Cardiff Prison and similar institutions, visit HM Prison and Probation Service .

By examining all these elements, one can gain a comprehensive understanding of what is Cardiff Prison like and how it functions as a correctional facility aimed at both punishment and rehabilitation. Visit the official website here, Also check our other other prison pages such as Bure Prison . 

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Prison Cocktail Bar Cardiff

Behind the hustle and bustle of the Welsh capital is an alluring, hush-hush, immersive prison bar experience like no other. Cardiff’s secret cocktail speakeasy is for rule-breakers only; do the crime, sneak in your liquor past the Warden, and spend the night in the clink with your favourite reprobates. Grab your gang and line up behind the metal detector, it’s time to get incarcerated.

"We had a fantastic time! The actors were amazing and it was incredibly fun...from cleaning chores to library duties. Cocktails were to die for too!" "> Wendy Google

"The most fun i’ve ever had in Cardiff. I thought I’d experienced everything worth experiencing in the city, but this is honestly the most fun activity to do with friends that I have done. Highly recommend!" "> Samantha Google

"It was brilliant even before the performance started. It made you feel a part of a movie or TV show! We would all highly recommend this to all!!" "> Chris TripAdvisor

What to expect

Get ready for a hidden, hands-on encounter of the criminal kind where you’ll live and breathe an exciting theatrical prison experience. Alcotraz Cell Block Nine-One is Cardiff’s only secret prison cocktail bar that is about to transform your nights out. Step into the den of crooks, and get ready to serve time. Bypass the historic sites and take on the Warden instead.

Once you’ve received your sentence, you and your fellow inmates will be lured into the world of an underground bootlegging gang and given strict instructions: smuggle your liquor of choice into the heart of Alcotraz. You’ll need your best poker face when you come across the Warden, but don’t worry, the guards are crooked and are just as invested in getting your contraband inside as you are.

After being led to your cells, the ‘serving’ mixologists will use your liquor to create a series of delicious, bespoke cocktails. There’s no menu in prison, but we guarantee these drinks won’t disappoint.

Beyond the booze, get ready for a rich and exciting experience as you become an integral part of one of our many Alcotraz storylines. Be swept away in this immersive event as our first class actors, mind-blowing real jail cells and prison radio ensnare your senses and transport you into a night like no other. There’s even an opportunity to take on an additional role; be an inmate, janitor or even the mole and follow one of our enthralling stories.

Whether you’re celebrating impending nuptials at a hen party , forgoing the traditional nine-to-five for a team building night out like no other, meeting for the first time on a date, or toasting to another year – your Alcotraz cell and jumpsuit awaits.

So much more than a bar…

Forget your typical bar scene, Alcotraz Cardiff offers a night out unlike any other. While our expert mixologists can whip up incredible cocktails using your smuggled-in liquor, they’re also masters of crafting delicious mocktails.

This isn’t just about grabbing a drink at a crowded table; step into our meticulously detailed jail cell sets, complete with jumpsuits for a truly immersive experience. From the moment you arrive, the entire Alcotraz team – all professional actors – dedicate themselves to bringing you an unforgettable night filled with top-notch entertainment. No two experiences are the same – you, the guest, become the main character in an ever-evolving storyline.

Do you crave an active role in a daring plan to overthrow the Warden? Or maybe you’d prefer to relax in your cell and soak up the show? Whatever your style, Alcotraz has something for everyone.

Visiting Hours

MONDAY Closed for visitors

TUESDAY 19:05 – 20:50

WEDNESDAY 19:05 – 20:50

THURSDAY 19:05 – 23:15

FRIDAY 16:40 – 23:15

SATURDAY 12:00 – 23:15

SUNDAY 16:40 – 18:25

Unit 9a Brewery Quarter, Caroline St, Cardiff, CF10 1AD

How to get there

However you choose to enjoy your night out in Cardiff, it’s quick and easy to make your way to Alcotraz for a night behind bars that you’ll never forget.

No matter where you’re coming from in the UK, it’s incredibly easy to get to Alcotraz Cardiff. You’ll find us just a five minute stroll from Cardiff Central train station, or a 13 minute walk from Cardiff Queen Street station, or a seven minute drive if you fancy hopping in a taxi to get here a bit quicker.

If your journey to us involves a car, there’s plenty of places to park within walking distance of Alcotraz Cardiff:

• NCP Cardiff Westgate Street
• St David’s Centre Parking
• Car Park Cardiff Central Station
• Cardiff Central Riverside Car Park
• NCP Cardiff Rapports

• Christmas Convictions

Celebrate Christmas in style with a night at Alcotraz Cardiff. Whether you’re booking a small gathering for your nearest and dearest partners in crime, or looking to hire the whole penitentiary for your corporate accomplices, we’ll have you locked up in no time.

• Corporate Event

Your sentence is what you make of it, so whether you’re going up against the Warden, or simply trying to enjoy a smuggled drink in the clink, we have the perfect penitentiary experience for you and your teammates. If you’d like your own mission, or a personalised storyline for you and your company, then you won’t find a better corporate event in Cardiff than what’s on offer here at Alcotraz. Immersive, engaging and not to be beaten.

Private Hire

Want to put you and your entire friend group, hen party or event into Alcotraz solitary? Yes, you can have the whole cell block to yourselves if you’re seeking a truly unforgettable event experience. If you’d like to book a block for a party, photoshoot or gathering, one of our Cardiff team can help make your immersive sentence completely bespoke.

Want to get locked up before your nuptials are locked in? Choose Cardiff Cell Block Nine-One for a hen party to remember. Grab your gang, form a line up and celebrate with something completely, criminally different.

• Gift Vouchers

Give the gift of rehabilitation by sentencing a loved one to Alcotraz. Vouchers remain valid for one year from purchase.

For processing and conviction, we recommend that you wear light clothing as you will be required to wear a standard-issue Alcotraz orange jumpsuit (provided) for the duration of your stay.

Your experience will last 1 hour 45 minutes, and inmates will be provided with their own orange jumpsuit for the duration of their time behind bars.

Our standard-issue Alcotraz jumpsuits cater to all inmates, with sizes ranging from XS to 4XL. Please note that you are free to wear your jumpsuit as you wish to make it more comfortable, such as tying the arms around your waist.

The inmates you come across behind bars are highly skilled mixologists, and they work best with smuggled spirits. But, if you prefer wine or beer, this can also be served to you… If you can get it past the Warden.

Alcotraz operates a closed bottle policy, meaning we will not accept any bottles previously opened. Please only bring new, unopened and sealed bottles.

Inmates get approximately 4 personalised cocktails delivered by our expert mixologists, using the liquor you smuggle in with you. All liqueurs, bitters, syrups and other ingredients that go into making your gang delicious cocktails are included in the ticket price, so all you need to bring is the liquor of your choice.

Alcotraz is an immersive experience where guests get absorbed into a storyline that is brought to life around them through characters including the Warden, the Guards and inmate Cassidy - all played by actors.

Those that really want to get involved will soon be trying out their American accent and telling the Warden what they are in for!

Those that would prefer to sit back and enjoy are welcome to do that too, whilst enjoying personalised cocktails in this unique and fun world.

Alcotraz may be an immersive experience, but is not scary. We have actors working inside the prison who help bring to life a fun, lighthearted experience for guests. However, if at any time guests do not act respectful and polite towards actors and the venue then they run the risk of their experience being cut short.

If drinking isn't your thing, don't worry. The Alcotraz experience is exactly the same for non-drinkers as a huge part of your time behind bars is the immersive storyline that unfolds around you where you can interact with the storylines and the actors. For those not drinking liquor, there is no need to smuggle anything in and instead, you will receive x 4 expertly crafted mocktails included within the ticket price!

Our Cardiff Cell Block is fully wheelchair accessible. If you or a member of your party is attending with a wheelchair user, please contact us after your booking with your booking number.

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Cell Block Two-Two-Six

Cell block Nine-One

Cell block three-four

Cell block two-one-two

Cell block One-Three

Cell Block Three-Six