Visits are held at the following times:
- Monday – Thursday : 13:00-16:30; 18:00-19:30
- Friday: 13:00-16:30
- Saturday and Sunday: 08:30-12:00; 13:00-16:30
You can book visits by calling either 0151 522 2196 or 0151 522 2042 between 08:30-18:00 during the week ( it shuts an hour earlier on Friday’s). You must give at least 24hrs notice for a visit, and you can only book 7 days in advance.
There is a visitors centre and you should arrive there at least ½ hr before your scheduled visiting time so that the admin/paperwork can be done. Like at all prisons, you will be searched prior to being admitted into the prison and you can’t take in certain items, such as mobile phones, cigarettes, food & drink etc. There are lockers available where you can leave your possession during the visit. Snacks, tea and coffee are available to buy in the visits hall ( max of £30 cash allowed into the hall)
Getting there:
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There is a dedicated bus service which runs from North Wales to the prison 2/3 times a week. This is run by the charity Jigsaw; their web site and contact details are click here. The nearest train station to the prison is Fazakerley Station, on the Kirby route from Lime Street Station (click here for timetables etc) . Once you are at Fazakerley Station follow the signs for the hospital, pass it on your right then turn left into Higher Lane.
From the town centre there are numerous bus route to the prison (journey planner)
If driving:
- from the M57: leave at J4 to join the A5809 East Lanes Road (signposted Liverpool). Pass the Showcase cinema on your left. At the next set of traffic lights turn right (signposted Fazakerley Hospital) onto Lower Lane. Pass the Police Station on the left and then turn left at the next traffic lights into Higher Lane. HMP Altcourse is approx. 1/4 mile on your right.
- from North Wales: Exit Birkenhead Tunnel and take the A59 (signposted Preston). Continue through the shopping area after passing Walton Hospital and HMP Liverpool on the left. The road forks at the traffic lights by the Black Bull pub. Continue, on what turns into dual carriageway, towards Preston passing Fazakerley Rail Station on the left. Turn left at the next traffic lights into Lower Lane (signposted Fazakerley Hospital). Pass the hospital on the right and then turn right at the traffic lights into Higher Lane. HMP Altcourse is approx. 1/4 mile on your right.