Open:

Saturday 10:30–16:00 + Sunday 14:30–16:00

Description:

HM Prison Wormwood Scrubs was the last major prison of the 19th century, built by Sir Edmund du Cane between 1875 and 1891. Bounded on three sides by cell blocks and on the fourth by a fine Portland stone chapel, the central garden strongly resembles a traditional London square, laid out with paths, lawns, flower beds, trees and park benches. Hanging baskets and planters provide a colourful spectacle in summer.

Prisoners can gain employment skills through maintenance and horticultural work in the gardens. As part of the prison service biodiversity action plan, Wormwood Scrubs is introducing spaces of wildflower planting and a recycling scheme for green and other waste, such as cardboard, plastics and paper.

Gardeners:

Dave Golding / Tom Cavanagh (ace)

Activities:

Pre-booked tours at 10.30am and 2.30pm (Saturday) and 2.30pm (Sunday).
Large display of visual arts from UK prisons, young offender institutions, high-security psychiatric hospitals, secure units and probation services, Saturday 10am-4pm and Sunday 2-4pm. Some items for sale. Admission free.
Koestler Arts Centre (on left just inside prison gates).

Entrance:

Main gate on Du Cane Road
Nearest postcode: W12 0AE

Buses:

7, 70

Station:

East Acton

Dogs:

Working assistance dogs only

Conditions:

The garden can be visited only on an escorted tour. Advance booking essential. See guidebook supplied with tickets for details. One prison tour per ticket holder. Visitors must be over 21 and provide two forms of identification, one with a photo and one with a current address. No recording equipment or backpacks. Mobile phones and cameras can be left at reception. Visitors will be subject to search procedures.

Further information:

• Street Map
• Garden's web site
• Printable version