HMP Manchester (Strangeways)
Category A / B Men’s Prison • Manchester, UK • HM Prison Service
📌 Overview
HMP Manchester, commonly known as Strangeways, is a Category A and B men’s prison located in the heart of Manchester. It is one of the UK’s most well-known prisons and serves both remand and sentenced prisoners from across Greater Manchester.
The prison has a long history dating back to the 19th century and remains a high-security establishment within the HM Prison Service estate.
⭐ Key Facts
- Opened: 1868
- Category: A / B
- Type: Local & High Security Prison
- Gender: Male
- Location: Strangeways, Manchester
- Managed by: HM Prison Service
- Common Name: Strangeways
📞 Contact Information
Phone: 0161 817 5600
Address: HMP Manchester, 1 Southall Street, Manchester, M60 9AH
Governor: Rob Knight
⏰ Visiting Times
Standard Visits (typical schedule):
- Mon–Wed: 14:15 – 16:00
- Thu: Access needs visits only (14:15 – 16:00)
- Fri: No regular visits
- Sat: 09:30 – 11:10 & 14:15 – 16:00
- Sun: 14:15 – 16:00
Note: Visits must be booked in advance and times may change. Always confirm before travelling.
🧾 How to Book a Visit
- Booking line: 0161 817 5655
- Email: Visitsbookingmanchester@justice.gov.uk
- Must be on prisoner’s approved visitor list
- Photo ID required on entry
🚆 Getting There
- Nearest station: Manchester Victoria (5 min walk)
- Manchester Piccadilly: 10 min by tram/taxi
- No on-site parking available
- Paid car parks nearby on Southall Street
🛑 Entry Rules
- Photo ID required for all visitors over 16
- Security search on entry (including pat-downs)
- No phones, tobacco, or electronics allowed
- Lockers available in visitor centre
- Dress code enforced (no revealing or offensive clothing)
🧠 Fun Facts
- Locally still known as “Strangeways”
- Site of the 1990 prison riot (major UK prison reform impact)
- One of the most secure prisons in the UK estate
- Built in a radial Victorian design
- Has a distinctive central ventilation tower
⚠️ Recent Notes
- Ongoing concerns about overcrowding
- Issues with contraband/drone drops reported
- High demand remand prison for Greater Manchester courts
👨👩👧 Family Support
A visitor centre run by POPS provides refreshments, seating, and support for families. There is also a children’s play area and family-friendly waiting facilities.
📍 Location
Strangeways, Manchester, Greater Manchester, UK
← Back to DirectoryHMP Manchester (Strangeways)
Category A / B Men’s Prison • Manchester, UK • HM Prison Service
📌 Overview
HMP Manchester, commonly known as Strangeways, is a Category A and B men’s prison located in the heart of Manchester. It is one of the UK’s most well-known prisons and serves both remand and sentenced prisoners from across Greater Manchester.
The prison has a long history dating back to the 19th century and remains a high-security establishment within the HM Prison Service estate.
⭐ Key Facts
- Opened: 1868
- Category: A / B
- Type: Local & High Security Prison
- Gender: Male
- Location: Strangeways, Manchester
- Managed by: HM Prison Service
- Common Name: Strangeways
📞 Contact Information
Phone: 0161 817 5600
Address: HMP Manchester, 1 Southall Street, Manchester, M60 9AH
Governor: Rob Knight
⏰ Visiting Times
Standard Visits (typical schedule):
- Mon–Wed: 14:15 – 16:00
- Thu: Access needs visits only (14:15 – 16:00)
- Fri: No regular visits
- Sat: 09:30 – 11:10 & 14:15 – 16:00
- Sun: 14:15 – 16:00
Note: Visits must be booked in advance and times may change. Always confirm before travelling.
🧾 How to Book a Visit
- Booking line: 0161 817 5655
- Email: Visitsbookingmanchester@justice.gov.uk
- Must be on prisoner’s approved visitor list
- Photo ID required on entry
🚆 Getting There
- Nearest station: Manchester Victoria (5 min walk)
- Manchester Piccadilly: 10 min by tram/taxi
- No on-site parking available
- Paid car parks nearby on Southall Street
🛑 Entry Rules
- Photo ID required for all visitors over 16
- Security search on entry (including pat-downs)
- No phones, tobacco, or electronics allowed
- Lockers available in visitor centre
- Dress code enforced (no revealing or offensive clothing)
🧠 Fun Facts
- Locally still known as “Strangeways”
- Site of the 1990 prison riot (major UK prison reform impact)
- One of the most secure prisons in the UK estate
- Built in a radial Victorian design
- Has a distinctive central ventilation tower
⚠️ Recent Notes
- Ongoing concerns about overcrowding
- Issues with contraband/drone drops reported
- High demand remand prison for Greater Manchester courts
👨👩👧 Family Support
A visitor centre run by POPS provides refreshments, seating, and support for families. There is also a children’s play area and family-friendly waiting facilities.
📍 Location
Strangeways, Manchester, Greater Manchester, UK
← Back to Directory