The UK prison system faces a variety of challenges, from overcrowding to outdated facilities and limited resources. 

While some prisons manage to operate effectively, others struggle to provide safe and humane conditions for inmates and staff. 

In this article, we’ll look at 15 of the UK’s most troubled prisons, known for issues like violence, poor hygiene, and high reoffending rates. 

Understanding these challenges gives insight into the difficulties faced within the prison system and the need for reform. 

Here’s a closer look at the 15 worst prisons in the UK and what makes each facility particularly notorious.

15. Birmingham

Birmingham Prison, operated by G4S until 2018 and then returned to government control, is known for overcrowding, violence, and poor management. 

In 2018, a damning inspection report highlighted extreme problems, including widespread drug use, squalid conditions, and a lack of control. 

Inspectors found filthy cells and widespread violence, with incidents between inmates and assaults on staff alarmingly common.

In one report, an officer was open about drug-dealing openly taking place. 

During the same period, inmates were found to control entire parts of the prison, making it dangerous for both prisoners and staff. 

The government stepped in and temporarily took over management, citing an urgent need for reform. 

Since then, conditions have shown some improvement, but Birmingham remains an example of how poor oversight and lack of resources can lead to severe prison mismanagement.

14. Doncaster

Doncaster Prison, a private facility operated by Serco, has gained notoriety for overcrowding, violence, and staff shortages, landing it among the UK’s worst prisons. 

Built to hold around 770 inmates, Doncaster often houses far more, leading to cramped and unsafe conditions. 

In recent inspections, high levels of violence between prisoners were reported, fueled by drug abuse, especially synthetic drugs like ‘spice’, which severely impact inmate behaviour and safety.

Staff shortages have compounded the problems, leaving fewer officers available to manage violent incidents and provide adequate support to prisoners. 

A notable example in 2020 involved multiple inmate assaults that went unchecked for extended periods due to lack of staff. 

Reports also highlighted issues with rehabilitation programs, with many inmates unable to access necessary resources for personal development. 

With a persistent cycle of drug use, violence, and insufficient staffing, Doncaster continues to struggle with serious operational challenges, impacting safety and inmate welfare.

13. Liverpool

Liverpool Prison has faced long standing issues with overcrowding, poor hygiene, and high levels of violence, placing it among the UK’s most troubled prisons. 

Inspectors have noted appalling conditions, with cells sometimes containing exposed wiring, broken toilets, and severe infestations of vermin. 

There have also been reports revealing how hundreds of inmates live in unacceptable, unsanitary conditions.

The prison has also struggled with inadequate healthcare services and staff shortages, leaving many prisoners without proper mental health support or medical care. 

An example is the 2019 inquest into an inmate’s death, where lack of medical attention was highlighted as a critical factor. 

Drug use remains a significant problem, and causes frequent violent outbreaks and placing additional strain on prison staff. 

Though recent improvements have been attempted, Liverpool’s history of poor conditions and high violence rates continue to raise concerns.

12. Thameside

Thameside Prison, located in London, has gained a reputation for its violent environment and poor conditions, earning it a spot among the UK’s worst prisons. 

In a 2019 inspection, it described the high levels of violence, both between inmates and against staff. 

Prisoners reported feeling threatened and fearful, with frequent fights and stabbings being common occurrences.

The prison also suffers from overcrowding and insufficient staff numbers, which further compounds its problems. 

As of 2018, Thameside was operating at 111% capacity, putting extra strain on already limited resources. 

The lack of adequate mental health support for inmates has also been flagged as a major concern, with many prisoners unable to access necessary services.

Despite efforts to improve, including staff training and infrastructure upgrades, Thameside remains one of the most problematic prisons in the UK, struggling with a volatile and unsafe environment.

11. Lincoln

Lincoln Prison ranks as one of the UK’s most challenging prisons due to several ongoing issues with overcrowding, violence, and poor living conditions. 

Built in the 19th century, the facility struggles to accommodate modern demands, often housing more inmates than it was designed for. 

In recent years, reports have highlighted serious concerns with the prison’s safety standards, as incidents of inmate-on-inmate violence and assaults on staff have increased.

The 2018 HM Inspectorate of Prisons report described the prison’s cells as in a state of disrepair, lacking basic sanitation, and experiencing regular infestations. 

Furthermore, drug use within the prison remains a significant problem, with widespread availability of many different drugs, which can fuel aggression and add to staff challenges. 

These factors contribute to Lincoln Prison’s reputation as one of the UK’s most problematic institutions, placing it high on the list of worst prisons.

10. Altcourse

HMP Altcourse has faced significant challenges that contribute to its reputation as one of the UK’s most troubled prisons. 

Located in Liverpool, it was the first private prison in the UK when it opened in 1997. 

While initially promising, the prison has seen a rise in issues, including overcrowding and high levels of violence. 

In recent inspections, the prison was criticised for poor safety measures, with violence rates increasing both among inmates and toward staff.

Staff shortages and high turnover rates have compounded these issues, leaving fewer officers to manage tense situations. 

One report revealed that Altcourse faced serious security lapses in certain parts of the prison. 

These ongoing safety and management concerns have led to its ranking as one of the UK’s most problematic prisons.

9. Leeds

Leeds Prison, a Victorian-era prison in West Yorkshire, has faced persistent challenges that place it among the UK’s worst-performing prisons. 

Built in 1847, the ageing infrastructure creates an environment ill-suited to modern rehabilitation and safety standards. 

Overcrowding is a significant issue, with cells originally intended for one person now often housing two inmates, leading to cramped and unsanitary conditions.

A 2019 inspection report highlighted serious concerns with violence and self-harm within the prison. 

Incidents of violence have risen, with many attributed to tensions over limited resources and drug-related debts. 

The prison’s rehabilitation programs and support services have been criticised as inadequate, limiting inmates’ opportunities for meaningful reform. 

These conditions have contributed to HMP Leeds’ reputation as one of the UK’s worst prisons.

8. Swansea

HMP Swansea, located in Wales, consistently faces challenges that impact its safety and effectiveness. 

The prison has long struggled with overcrowding; cells designed for one prisoner often hold two, creating cramped and uncomfortable conditions. 

This overcrowding exacerbates issues like violence and mental health concerns, as inmates cope with limited space and resources.

A 2018 inspection revealed that HMP Swansea had one of the highest rates of self-harm in the UK prison system, reflecting significant mental health issues and insufficient support services. 

Staff shortages have further compounded safety risks, with fewer officers available to oversee inmates, maintain order, and prevent contraband smuggling. 

Despite efforts to improve, these persistent problems keep Swansea on the list of the UK’s most troubled prisons, highlighting ongoing concerns for both inmate welfare and prison safety.

7. Durham

Durham Prison has faced significant challenges, making it one of the UK’s most troubled prisons. 

Originally built in the 19th century, its ageing infrastructure has struggled to meet modern standards, leading to cramped conditions and outdated facilities. 

Inspections have highlighted overcrowding, with double-bunking in cells intended for one, which has caused tension and frequent clashes among inmates.

A major issue at Durham is the high level of drug use. 

In a 2018 inspection, it was noted that nearly 60% of inmates tested positive for drugs. 

This problem has led to increased violence, as inmates under the influence can become unpredictable and aggressive, posing risks for both staff and prisoners.

Additionally, HMP Durham has faced issues with safety standards. 

Although some improvements have been implemented, Durham’s ongoing issues with overcrowding, drug abuse, and violence continue to highlight its troubling conditions.

6. Berwyn

HMP Berwyn, one of the UK’s largest and newest prisons, opened in 2017 with an emphasis on rehabilitation. 

However, it has faced numerous problems that have placed it among the UK’s most problematic prisons. 

Designed to hold over 2,000 inmates, Berwyn quickly encountered issues with overcrowding, impacting the prison’s ability to maintain order and provide adequate support to inmates.

A recent inspection revealed widespread drug use and high levels of violence. 

Moreover, staff have reported feeling unprepared to handle difficult situations, with high turnover affecting stability and continuity.

Despite its modern facilities, Berwyn has struggled with implementing the rehabilitation programs it was intended to offer, causing frustration among inmates and staff alike. 

The ongoing problems with violence, drugs, and limited support have led to Berwyn’s reputation as a troubled facility.

5. Parc

HMP Parc, a large prison in Bridgend, Wales, has gained a troubling reputation due to high levels of violence, drug abuse, and inadequate resources for inmates with mental health issues. 

Staff shortages have worsened conditions, as officers often struggle to manage the prison population effectively. 

In 2019, a report from the Chief Inspector of Prisons noted the prison’s inability to provide a safe environment, with violence levels increasing by 20% since the previous inspection. 

Inmates frequently reported feeling unsafe due to bullying and intimidation, and staff felt unsupported in their efforts to control these issues.

Moreover, the lack of mental health services and support for vulnerable inmates has been widely criticised. 

These persistent issues place Parc among the UK’s most challenging and problematic prisons.

4. Wormwood Scrubs

Wormwood Scrubs in West London has faced significant criticism due to poor living conditions, violence, and staff shortages. 

Inspections have consistently flagged issues like overcrowding, unsanitary facilities, and widespread drug use. 

In a recent report, the Chief Inspector of Prisons reported that parts of the prison were infested with vermin, while some cells lacked basic amenities, including functioning toilets and clean bedding.

Violence is another pressing issue at Wormwood Scrubs. 

The prison has experienced high levels of inmate-on-inmate aggression.

Efforts to improve conditions, such as installing body scanners to reduce smuggling, have had limited impact, leading to ongoing safety concerns. 

The deteriorating environment and persistent issues make Wormwood Scrubs one of the most challenging and problematic prisons in the UK today.

3. Wandsworth

Wandsworth Prison, one of the oldest and largest prisons in the UK, has long been criticised for its deteriorating conditions and overcrowding. 

Built in 1851, its ageing infrastructure struggles to support a modern prison environment. 

In recent years, inspections have highlighted severe issues with sanitation, with some inmates living in cramped cells for up to 22 hours a day without access to clean toilets or showers.

The prison also suffers from high levels of violence and drug-related incidents. 

A 2018 inspection report revealed that staff shortages were so acute that prisoners were frequently left unsupervised, resulting in increased tension and violence. 

Despite efforts to improve safety, Wandsworth’s outdated facilities and persistent staffing issues continue to impact the welfare of both inmates and staff, placing it among the UK’s worst prisons.

2. Pentonville

Pentonville Prison, located in North London, is notorious for its overcrowding, violence, and poor living conditions. 

Built in 1842, it suffers from an outdated infrastructure that struggles to accommodate modern-day requirements. 

Regular inspections have revealed that prisoners are often housed in cramped, unsanitary cells, with some lacking basic amenities such as clean toilets and adequate bedding. 

In 2019, a report highlighted that some inmates were locked in their cells for over 23 hours a day due to severe staff shortages.

Pentonville also faces a high level of violence among inmates, with drug use worsening tensions. 

In 2020, inspectors noted that the prison had failed to reduce incidents of self-harm and suicides, which were at alarming rates. 

Security concerns are also prevalent, as the ageing facility has vulnerabilities that make it difficult to prevent contraband from entering. 

These ongoing issues keep Pentonville ranked as one of the worst prisons in the UK.

1. Belmarsh

Belmarsh prison is considered the worst in the UK due to its high-profile nature and severe security issues. 

Known as the ‘British Guantanamo’, it houses some of the most dangerous and violent criminals, including terrorists and high-risk offenders. 

The prison has faced repeated allegations of overcrowding, understaffing, and a lack of proper facilities. Inmates are often subjected to extreme conditions, with limited access to rehabilitation programs, which increases tension and violence.

In 2020, a report from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) highlighted significant concerns regarding safety, saying the prison was dangerous for both staff and prisoners. 

Violence was rampant, and conditions were deemed degrading. Belmarsh has also been known for frequent incidents of suicide and self-harm among inmates, making it a particularly high-risk facility. 

Despite its tough reputation, Belmarsh continues to struggle with reform, which makes it the worst prison in the UK.

Conclusion

That was the 15 worst prisons in the UK.

The 15 worst prisons in the UK share common issues such as overcrowding, violence, and poor living conditions. 

Many of these facilities struggle with outdated infrastructure, insufficient staff, and high levels of inmate unrest. 

Despite efforts to improve safety and rehabilitation, these prisons continue to face significant challenges. 

Reforming the prison system, improving staff training, and investing in modern facilities are essential steps toward creating a safer and more effective correctional environment. 

Ultimately, addressing the root causes of these issues will help reduce recidivism and ensure that inmates serve their sentences in more humane conditions.