Visits and Getting There, The Verne

Visits are held at the following times:

  • Tuesday: 2pm to 4pm
  • Wednesday: 2pm to 4pm
  • Saturday: 2pm to 4pm
  • Sunday: 2pm to 4pm

The visiting centre open before these times and you should allow at least 15 minutes to go through the security checks before entering the visits hall. If you arrive after 15:30 you will be denied entry.

You can book visits online, go to 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. If you’ve made an online visit booking request and haven’t received a confirmation email within 3 working days, email [email protected] or call 01305 825014 between 14:00-16:00 Monday to Friday.

The usual rules on visiting apply; passport, picture driving license. I f you dont have these you will need 2 documents confirming your identity such as utilty bill showing name and address, bank statement, marriage certificate, benefit book etc. All visitors will be searched and may be walked past a security/drug dog. The prison staff may also take your picture and your fingerprints. If you decline to allow these, you will be denied entry to the visits hall.

The prison has a dress code for visitors which they describe as “family friendly” so you will be turned away if you attend in overly short skirts or shorts, ripped jeans, vest tops etc. You will be allowed to take up to £10 in COINS, (no notes allowed) into the visits hall for the vending machines etc. You will also have to leave mobile phones, cigarettes etc in lockers in the visitors centre (£1 coin required for key) 

 Getting there:

Its not that easy to get to the prison. The nearest station is at Weymouth, about 7 miles away, and you can get a taxi from the station or catch a bus to the Isle of Portland. Traveline for local bus times.

If travelling by car there is only limited parking available at the prison

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