Visits & Getting there, Forest Bank

Visits are held at the following times: 

  • Tue: 13:00 – 19:00
  • Wed: 13:00 – 19:00
  • Thu: 13:00 – 19:00
  • Fri: 13:00 – 19:00
  • Sat: 12:30 – 16:00
  • Sun: 12:30 – 16:00

To arrange a visit call 0161 925 7029 or 0161 925 7030 or email [email protected] You need to include full details of the visitors and the visiting order number when making a booking. Do not assume you have book a visit until it has been confirmed by the prison, and you will need to bring details of the booking and the VO when you arrive for the visit,. You can also book by text on 07786 206 001. This text must include all the information required to book a visit, such as visitors’ names and addresses; time and date; and prisoner’s name and number, and VO number. The prison will respond by text which can be used as a booking confirmation. There is a visitors centre run by the Prison Advice & Care Trust (pact), an independent charity. Click here  for more information or call 0161 925 7000 extension 2134

You are only allowed to take £20 into the visits hall to buy refreshments and there are restrictions on what can be taken in e.g. no mobile phones, cigarettes, food & drink etc. You can leave items in lockers in the visits centre during your visits (£1 deposit). As at all prisons you will be searched prior to being admitted to the prison, and will have to provide photo ID and proof of address..

Getting there:

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Forest Bank is on the A6044, 3 miles from the centre of Manchester and 1.5 miles from Junction 17 of the M60. By bus, from Manchester City Centre take bus numbers 93 or 95 from Cannon Street to the Cusson Soap Works, walk up to the Mini Roundabout and turn left. HMP/YOI Forest Bank is approximately 100 metres on the right. From Bolton, Moor Lane Bus Station, take bus numbers 8, 9 or 28 to the Henry Boddington Pub. On getting off the bus, turn back towards the traffic lights and turn right down Agecroft Road. HMP/YOI Forest Bank is approximately 1000 metres on the left. From Swinton Train Station, take bus number 484, which runs once an hour at 15 minutes to the hour. This bus stops outside HMP/YOI Forest Bank. Click here to plan journey

By train, from Manchester Victoria, take the train to Swinton and then pick up bus number 484 as above, (this service does not run on a Sunday) but taxis are available on 0161 793 8888, 0161 793 1010 or 0161 793 6666

There is a Visitors car park at the prison.

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We can introduce you to  experienced  lawyers can help you with parole,  probation,  immigration, adjudications, visits and any other complaints  and disputes you have with the Prison Service.

The solicitors are all experts on how the Prison Service/Criminal Law  system works and will be able to provide to you the necessary advice and support to ensure you or your loved ones are treated fairly. These lawyers are "small enough to care about you, but big enough to fight for you"

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