Opened in 1982 as part of Hollesley Bay Prison, Warren Hill was used to hold Category C Young Offenders.

In January 2000, Warren Hill was re-rolled to hold juvenile prisoners and an additional wing called the 'Carlford Unit' was opened on the site to hold juveniles serving indefinite, life and long-term sentences.

In November 2007, the Independent Monitoring Board issued a report calling for £1million to be invested on improved facilities at Warren Hill Prison.

Warren Hill's Juvenile Activity Centre accommodates a drug rehabilitation project and a special education intervention group.

On 4 September 2013, the Ministry of Justice announced that it intends to convert Warren Hill into a prison for adult male inmates.