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The UK's prison system, once designed to rehabilitate and punish offenders has its share of problems. Many prisons have made headlines due to overcrowding, violence, poor living conditions, and understaffing. While not every prison fits into this category, some are notorious for their difficult and deteriorating conditions. Below are the top ten worst prisons in the UK, based on reports of violence, living conditions, and inmate experiences.
HMP Wandsworth, one of the largest prisons in the UK, has gained a notorious reputation for its overcrowded and outdated facilities. A 2022 inspection by HM Inspectorate of Prisons described the prison as “overburdened and under-resourced,” with serious concerns regarding inmate safety, rising levels of violence, and rampant drug use. Originally designed to hold fewer than 1,000 prisoners, the Victorian-era facility now houses almost double the inmates, despite recommendations to reduce the population. The overcrowded conditions have exacerbated tensions among prisoners, contributing to the rise in violence, mental health issues, and substance abuse.
One of the most significant challenges at HMP Wandsworth is the severe understaffing, with only 50% of the required staffing levels in place, and 50% of the officers having less than a year of experience. This has resulted in a lack of supervision, with many prisoners locked in their cramped, dirty cells for up to 22 hours a day. The prison's limited rehabilitation programs and inadequate resources have left most inmates unemployed, further fueling frustration and contributing to the overall instability within the facility.
The rise in violence is particularly concerning, with nearly 1,000 assaults on prisoners and staff reported in the last year, a sharp increase from 350 in 2017. Additionally, there were 10 deaths in custody, up from four the previous year, with seven of these deaths being self-inflicted. Self-harm rates are also on the rise, and the prison's response to emergencies is inadequate, with 40% of emergency cell bells going unanswered within the required five-minute window. The most recent drug tests revealed that 44% of prisoners were actively using drugs, and the smell of cannabis is pervasive throughout the prison.
HMP Wandsworth has also made headlines for several high-profile incidents, including a viral video showing a prison officer engaging in a relationship with an inmate and a daring escape in 2023, where a prisoner managed to flee by attaching himself to a delivery truck. In response to the escape, HMPPS invested nearly £900,000 in additional security measures, but the prison still struggles with basic security protocols, including the inability to account for prisoners during the working day. An action plan developed after a previous escape in 2019 remains incomplete, and key elements of the prison's security strategy have not been reviewed in over a decade.
Despite ongoing efforts to improve conditions, HMP Wandsworth remains plagued by deep-rooted problems. Overcrowding, understaffing, and a lack of effective rehabilitation programs continue to hinder the prison’s ability to function safely and securely. The facility's deteriorating conditions, coupled with rising violence and drug use, have solidified its position as one of the worst-performing prisons in the UK. The challenges faced by HMP Wandsworth serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for prison reform and the importance of addressing systemic issues within the UK's correctional system.
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HMP Exeter has been described as a “failing” prison with disturbingly high levels of violence and drug abuse. A 2018 HMP inspection found that one in five prisoners had developed an addiction to synthetic drugs, such as Spice. The report also uncovered significant problems with safety, with violent assaults and suicides becoming increasingly common.
HMP Exeter has been the subject of multiple inspection reports over the years, many of which have highlighted severe shortcomings in the prison’s conditions and management.In 1999, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Prisons published a report condemning the prison's outdated practices, including the fact that some inmates still had to slop out—a degrading procedure where prisoners had to manually dispose of their human waste despite government claims that it had been eradicated.
Further criticisms arose in 2005, when the Prison Reform Trust highlighted overcrowding and inadequate activities for prisoners. This led to inmates spending excessive time in their cells, with minimal opportunities for rehabilitation. The Howard League for Penal Reform similarly criticized the prison, noting that it was operating at 70% over capacity, exacerbating the issues of inmate management and care.
The situation continued to worsen, and in 2014, it was revealed that staffing levels had dropped by 32% while inmate numbers remained high. A subsequent inspection concluded that Exeter was "old and difficult to maintain," with many weaknesses and gaps in its operation.
Despite its ongoing issues, HMP Exeter has made efforts to rehabilitate inmates through various employment and educational opportunities. The prison offers accredited training courses in computers, sports, and vocational skills that align with local employer requirements. In 2013, the prison was awarded Grade 2 accreditation by Ofsted for its Learning and Skills provision.
HMP Exeter remains one of the most troubled prisons in the UK, grappling with overcrowding, staff shortages, and safety concerns that have led to soaring levels of violence and self-harm. While there have been efforts to improve rehabilitation services, the prison’s physical condition and institutional management continue to attract widespread criticism. The emergency measures taken in 2018 underscore the need for significant reform if Exeter is to become a safe and effective facility for both inmates and staff.
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Feltham is a youth offender institution (YOI) located in West London, which has become notorious for its high levels of violence and unsafe conditions. Designed to hold boys aged 15 to 18, the institution has faced repeated criticism for failing to provide a secure and rehabilitative environment for its young inmates.
In 2019, a report by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) found that Feltham had the highest rate of violence among all UK prisons, describing a “toxic” environment where gang activity, bullying, and assaults were rampant. The report highlighted the dangers posed by inmate violence, with young offenders frequently turning to aggression or self-harm as coping mechanisms. Mental health services were largely inadequate, leaving many inmates without the necessary support to manage the stress and trauma of incarceration.
A report from March 2024 painted an even grimmer picture, confirming that HMP Feltham remained the most violent institution in England and Wales. The report, overseen by Chief Inspector Charlie Taylor, noted that incidents of violence had risen significantly, with 410 violent incidents recorded in the year leading up to the inspection—up from 182 in the previous 12 months.
The most alarming statistic was the 300% increase in incidents of disorder, totaling 320 incidents between March 2023 and March 2024. The prison's staff discovered 343 weapons over the same period, nearly tripling the 122 weapons found the previous year. These statistics highlight an alarming escalation of both weaponization and violent outbursts among young offenders.
Staff responses to violence have also been heavy-handed. The use of force by prison staff rose by 68%, typically in response to altercations or dangerous behavior. This points to an institution struggling to keep control, where both inmates and staff face daily risks.
The continued deterioration of conditions at HMP Feltham raises urgent questions about its future. The substantial rise in violence, combined with a lack of effective mental health support and inadequate rehabilitation programs, indicates a system that is failing its young inmates. While there have been promises of reform, the current state of the institution suggests that much more needs to be done to transform Feltham into a place that prioritizes safety, education, and rehabilitation over fear and violence.
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HMP Nottingham, a Category B prison, has been under scrutiny for its significant challenges, including high levels of violence, drug use, and self-harm. Despite being rebuilt in the early 2000s, the facility retains the character of an old Victorian prison, housing around 900 adult male prisoners from the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire areas. While it has made some improvements in recent years, a 2022 inspection by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons revealed that many deep-rooted issues persist.
One of the most alarming concerns is the continued prevalence of self-harm. The prison’s case management for at-risk prisoners remains inadequate, and there is a lack of meaningful engagement between staff and inmates. Additionally, many prisoners feel uncared for, which further exacerbates the problem. While there has been a decline in incidents compared to previous years, the rates of self-harm are still worryingly high.
Violence also remains a serious issue, with the use of force by staff being higher than average. The system for managing violent prisoners and victims—through the Challenge, Support, and Intervention Plans (CSIPs)—was found to be ineffective. Gang activity, assaults, and poor oversight of violent incidents have created a volatile environment that remains a major concern for prison authorities.
Moreover, rehabilitation efforts are hindered by poor access to education, skills training, and meaningful work activities. Nearly half of the prison population remains unemployed, spending up to 22 hours a day locked in their cells. The release planning process is also insufficiently resourced, leaving many prisoners without proper support to secure accommodation or manage their finances upon release.
Despite these issues, there are some signs of improvement. The arrival of a new governor has brought a renewed focus on stabilising the prison and addressing its challenges. However, HMP Nottingham remains a facility in need of significant reform to ensure the safety and rehabilitation of its inmates.
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HMP Altcourse is a Category B local prison that serves the Cheshire and Merseyside courts. The facility houses both sentenced and remand adult male prisoners as well as young offenders, with a capacity of 1,164 inmates. The prison is divided into seven house blocks, Bechers, Furlong, Melling, Canal, Valentines, Reynoldstown, and Foinavon.
In recent years, drug-related problems have plagued HMP Altcourse, with the synthetic drug Spice becoming a significant concern. A 2019 report from the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) revealed that the use of drugs had skyrocketed within the prison, with many inmates using Spice as a form of escape from the harsh realities of incarceration. The report noted that drug-related incidents, including violent confrontations over drug deals, had sharply increased.
The prison’s drug issues have been compounded by gang activity, with rival groups frequently clashing in violent altercations. These gang rivalries have exacerbated tensions among prisoners, making it difficult to maintain order. While HMP Altcourse is a relatively modern facility, these problems are a reflection of deeper issues within the UK’s prison system.
One of the critical challenges facing HMP Altcourse is overcrowding. Despite its modern design, the prison operates at full capacity, and the influx of prisoners has strained its resources. This overcrowding has led to a lack of meaningful activities and increased stress levels among inmates, contributing to violent outbursts.
Understaffing has further worsened the situation, with fewer staff members available to monitor the large prison population effectively. As a result, assaults on both staff and prisoners have become commonplace. The combination of overcrowding and understaffing has left HMP Altcourse struggling to provide a safe and rehabilitative environment for its inmates.
While HMP Altcourse was established with a mission to rehabilitate offenders, the reality inside the prison tells a different story. The facility is struggling to cope with the combined pressures of overcrowding, drug abuse, and gang violence. Despite its relatively modern design and commitment to reform, these persistent challenges have hindered the prison’s ability to provide a safe and rehabilitative environment for its inmates. Without significant changes, HMP Altcourse risks becoming yet another example of a UK prison failing to meet the needs of both its inmates and staff.
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HMP Belmarsh is one of the most notorious prisons in the UK, holding some of the country's most high-profile and dangerous criminals. Located in Thamesmead, southeast London, it is a Category A men’s prison, meaning it houses the most dangerous offenders, including those involved in national security cases and terrorism.
Belmarsh is often referred to as "Britain’s Guantanamo Bay" due to its role in detaining terrorism suspects without charge, a practice that has drawn considerable criticism from human rights activists. Within the prison is the High Security Unit (HSU), a facility containing 48 single cells designed to house some of the country’s most dangerous inmates.
Belmarsh is sometimes referred to as “Hellmarsh” due to the harsh conditions reported by both prisoners and human rights groups. It has gained notoriety for the use of excessive force and intimidation by staff. Former inmates, including high-profile figures like Jeffrey Archer, who coined the nickname, have spoken out about the difficult conditions in the prison.
Since its opening in 1991, Belmarsh has struggled with issues like overcrowding and complaints of staff violence. A 2009 report by the Chief Inspector of Prisons noted that there was an “extremely high” amount of force used on inmates, with many prisoners claiming to have been victimized by staff.
Despite these issues, the prison provides a number of rehabilitation programs for its inmates, including educational workshops, access to two gyms, and even FA-accredited coaching courses in partnership with Charlton Athletic F.C.. Additionally, Belmarsh operates a Listener Scheme, offering support to prisoners at risk of suicide or self-harm, and a support group focused on immigration law for foreign national prisoners.
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Located in West London, HMP Wormwood Scrubs has long been notorious for its dangerous environment, overcrowding, and deteriorating conditions. Originally built between 1875 and 1891 by prisoners from Milbank Gaol, the prison was once used to house women prisoners, operated as a borstal, and served the War Department in the early 1940s. Despite undergoing refurbishment and the addition of a new wing around 15 years ago, the prison has continued to face significant challenges, particularly in terms of safety, violence, and drug use.
HMP Wormwood Scrubs has repeatedly been flagged for its unsafe environment. A 2017 inspection uncovered over 200 reported incidents of assault within a six-month period, many involving weapons. The violence wasn’t limited to prisoners; staff also faced an increased number of attacks, exacerbated by significant staff shortages. The lack of personnel contributed to the prison's inability to maintain control, leading to a rise in both inmate-on-inmate and inmate-on-staff violence. A 2020 report by HM Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) confirmed that the prison remained unsafe and highlighted ongoing concerns regarding poor living conditions and an increasingly dangerous atmosphere for both prisoners and staff.
Many prisoners have expressed fears about their personal safety, with incidents of violence escalating over time. The prison's reputation for violence has only worsened, leading to growing calls for reforms and an overhaul of how the prison is managed.
Adding to the prison's dangerous reputation is the prevalence of drug use, which has become a serious issue. According to the 2020 HMIP report, drugs, particularly Spice, are frequently smuggled into the facility, exacerbating the already difficult living conditions. The prison’s porous security has made it a hotspot for illicit drug activity, and many inmates struggle with substance abuse problems. With only a small percentage of the population receiving proper support for their drug dependencies, the environment has become a breeding ground for addiction-related violence and mental health issues.
The ongoing drug problems at HMP Wormwood Scrubs have been compounded by staff shortages, making it difficult to maintain control and prevent smuggling. This has significantly contributed to the prison’s unsafe conditions and high rates of self-harm and violence.
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Located in the heart of Liverpool, HMP Liverpool—also known as Walton—has become infamous for its deeply ingrained issues, including overcrowding, violence, and horrendous living conditions. Built in 1855 to replace an older, more cramped facility, the prison was designed to house approximately 1,100 inmates. Today, however, it operates well beyond that capacity, holding up to 1,370 men in Category B/C conditions. This local men’s prison primarily serves inmates from courts in Blackburn, Merseyside, and Wigan. Despite its long history, HMP Liverpool has gained an unfortunate reputation for its unsanitary conditions and inadequate care for prisoners.
The overcrowding at HMP Liverpool has been a persistent issue, exacerbating almost every aspect of life inside the prison walls. Designed for around 1,100 inmates, the population regularly exceeds that number, with more than 1,370 prisoners crammed into inadequate and often deteriorating spaces. As a result, conditions within the prison have deteriorated to the point of being described as "squalid" by inspectors.
A 2017 HM Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) report was particularly damning. The inspection found that prisoners were living in appalling conditions, with filthy, damp cells overrun by vermin, particularly rats. The Chief Inspector of Prisons stated that the conditions were so poor that they "have no place in an advanced nation in the 21st century." For many, this marked a low point in the prison’s long history, as the report painted a grim picture of what daily life was like for inmates. The same report sent shockwaves through the UK when it was released. It detailed widespread neglect, with many inmates forced to live in squalor. The cells were described as filthy and damp, often infested with rats and plagued by poor ventilation. For prisoners already facing the psychological strain of incarceration, these conditions were inhumane, worsening both their mental and physical health.
Alongside its overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, HMP Liverpool has also faced rising levels of violence. Incidents of inmate-on-inmate violence have increased over the years, often fueled by gang-related tensions and drug trafficking within the prison walls. The 2017 HMIP report highlighted these issues, noting that high levels of violence were prevalent throughout the facility.
Self-harm and drug misuse were also rampant, with many prisoners turning to substances like Spice to cope with the bleak conditions. Despite efforts to curb drug use and provide rehabilitation services, the prison has struggled to maintain control, particularly in light of staffing shortages that limit the ability of guards to monitor inmates effectively.
The Chief Inspector of Prisons concluded that HMP Liverpool suffered from "fundamental failings" in both safety and inmate care. Without the resources and staffing necessary to maintain order, violence has become an unfortunate reality of life at HMP Liverpool.
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HMP Pentonville, one of the UK’s oldest and most infamous prisons, has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years for its appalling conditions, lack of adequate facilities, and overcrowding. Built in 1842, the prison was designed to house a maximum of 520 inmates, but today its population regularly exceeds 1,150 prisoners, crammed into cells that are wholly unfit for modern living standards. Despite efforts to modernize the facility, reports indicate that Pentonville is still unfit for inmates to live in, let alone be rehabilitated.
The most glaring issue at HMP Pentonville is its severe overcrowding. Although designed for half of its current population, the prison regularly holds over 1,150 inmates. Prisoners are often doubled up in cells measuring just 12 feet by 8 feet, with bunk beds, a small desk, a chair, and an open toilet located just inches from where they sleep and eat. The Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) reported that the lack of privacy in such cramped conditions could "not be described as decent or humane." For many inmates, this lack of personal space exacerbates tensions, often leading to violent outbreaks.
Inmates are forced to live in an environment where maintaining basic hygiene is a challenge. The close proximity to open toilets and the absence of sufficient washing facilities create unsanitary conditions, while the inability to separate cells during maintenance only worsens the situation. Moreover, prisoners have very limited access to fresh air or time outside their cells, which further increases frustration and exacerbates mental health problems.
Inmates and staff alike have expressed concerns over the antiquated plumbing and heating systems, which frequently malfunction. The lack of hot water and low water pressure are recurring problems, leaving inmates unable to maintain even the most basic levels of hygiene. The fact that repairs are often delayed—due to an inability to isolate individual cells during maintenance—only compounds the issue, with prisoners left to cope in unhygienic and uncomfortable conditions for extended periods.
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HMP Birmingham, also known as Winson Green Prison, is a Victorian-era facility that has been plagued by a long history of overcrowding, poor conditions, and mismanagement. Originally designed by DR Hill, the prison was completed in 1849, and for much of its history, it has struggled to keep pace with the demands of modern incarceration. Over the years, the prison has undergone numerous reforms and expansions, but it continues to face significant challenges.
One of the most enduring problems at HMP Birmingham is overcrowding. Despite numerous efforts to expand the facility and transfer inmates to other prisons, the prison remains overpopulated, often housing far more prisoners than it was originally designed to hold. The issue of overcrowding has far-reaching consequences, affecting every aspect of prison life—from the availability of rehabilitation programs to the overall safety and well-being of inmates.
In addition to overcrowding, health and hygiene have been longstanding concerns at HMP Birmingham. The 1999 inspection report highlighted the prison’s dirty and untidy health centre, which was in a state of disrepair. Limited access to proper bathing facilities only exacerbated the issue, with some prisoners forced to go days without a full wash. This lack of basic hygiene had serious implications for the health and well-being of the inmates, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions.
Another major issue at HMP Birmingham has been violence, both between inmates and directed at staff. As early as 2001, reports indicated that a significant number of prisoners had experienced physical abuse at the hands of prison officers. This was compounded by the fact that many inmates were struggling with mental health issues, which went untreated due to a lack of adequate resources and staff training.
HMP Birmingham’s long history of overcrowding, violence, and mismanagement paints a troubling picture of the UK’s prison system. Despite numerous attempts at reform, the prison continues to struggle with the same issues that have plagued it for decades. Overcrowding remains a persistent problem, creating an environment where violence and poor living conditions are the norm rather than the exception.
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