![]() |
| UK Holidays 2026 – Public Holiday Calendar | ShipHub |
Easter weekend 2026 falls right now in the UK, with Good Friday on 3 April, Easter Sunday on 5 April, and Easter Monday on 6 April. Many shoppers are wondering exactly when supermarkets are open — especially on Easter Sunday when large stores are legally closed in England and Wales.
This complete guide covers Tesco, Aldi, Asda, Sainsbury’s and more, with the latest confirmed opening times for 2026. All details are based on official retailer announcements and trading law. Always double-check your local store via the retailer’s website or app, as exact hours can vary slightly by location.
![]() |
| Supermarket opening times for the Easter 2025 bank holidays, from Aldi to Tesco |
Key Easter 2026 Dates & Bank Holiday Rules
- Good Friday (3 April): Bank holiday — most supermarkets open with reduced or extended hours.
- Easter Sunday (5 April): Not a bank holiday, but large supermarkets in England, Wales and Northern Ireland must close under Sunday trading laws (stores over ~280 sq m / 3,000 sq ft).
- Easter Monday (6 April): Bank holiday in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (Scotland has normal trading).
- Scotland: Different rules — most large stores stay open on Easter Sunday with normal or Sunday hours.
Smaller convenience stores (Tesco Express, Sainsbury’s Local, Co-op, etc.) often remain open throughout the weekend.
Are Supermarkets Open on Good Friday UK?
Yes — virtually all major supermarkets are open on Good Friday 2026, though many operate with slightly reduced hours compared to a normal Friday. Expect busy periods in the morning and early afternoon.
What Time Do Supermarkets Close on Easter Sunday UK?
Most large supermarkets are closed on Easter Sunday 5 April 2026 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Tesco, Aldi, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Lidl large stores: Closed.
- Smaller convenience stores and some Express/Local branches: Usually open (often 7am–11pm or similar).
- Scotland: Large stores generally open with normal Sunday trading hours.
Tesco Opening Times Easter Weekend 2026
Tesco has confirmed the following for most stores (England & Wales):
| Day | Large Stores / Superstores | Express Stores (most) |
|---|---|---|
| Good Friday (3 Apr) | 6am – 10pm | 6am – 10pm |
| Easter Saturday (4 Apr) | Normal hours | Normal hours |
| Easter Sunday (5 Apr) | Closed | Most open (normal hours) |
| Easter Monday (6 Apr) | 8am – 6pm | 8am – 6pm |
Scotland and Northern Ireland follow slightly different patterns (often normal hours on Sunday/Monday). Use the Tesco Store Locator for your exact branch.
Aldi Easter Opening Hours 2026
Aldi keeps things simple and has confirmed these times for the majority of stores:
| Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Good Friday (3 Apr) | 8am – 9pm |
| Easter Saturday (4 Apr) | 8am – 9pm or 8am – 10pm |
| Easter Sunday (5 Apr) | Closed |
| Easter Monday (6 Apr) | 8am – 8pm |
Aldi recommends the quietest times are early morning (8–9am) or late evening. Check your local store on the Aldi website for any variations.
Other Major Supermarkets – Quick Summary
- Asda: Good Friday & Saturday 7am–10pm; Easter Sunday closed (large stores); Easter Monday 8am–10pm.
- Sainsbury’s: Good Friday & Saturday 7am–11pm; Easter Sunday closed (large stores); Easter Monday 8am–10pm (convenience stores open as normal).
- Morrisons & Lidl: Similar pattern — open Good Friday & Monday with reduced hours; closed Easter Sunday (England & Wales).
- Waitrose, M&S, Co-op & Iceland: Large stores mostly closed Sunday; smaller branches and convenience formats often open.
Supermarkets open near me this Easter weekend? The fastest way is to use Google Maps (“supermarket near me”), the retailer’s official store locator, or the MyStore app. Type in your postcode and filter by date — hours are updated in real time.
Which Shops Are Closed on Easter Sunday UK?
- All major large supermarkets (Tesco Extra, Asda Superstores, Aldi, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Lidl, Waitrose) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Petrol station forecourt shops, small independents, and convenience stores (e.g. Tesco Express, Sainsbury’s Local, Co-op) usually stay open.
- Scotland is the exception — most stores trade normally.
Bank Holiday Supermarket Hours UK – Top Tips
- Plan ahead — do your big shop on Good Friday or Saturday.
- Check twice — use the official store finder or call your local branch.
- Convenience is king on Easter Sunday — smaller stores will be open but may have limited stock and higher prices.
- Online delivery — Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s and others are running click-and-collect and home delivery slots over the weekend (book early).
- Scotland & Northern Ireland — expect more normal trading hours than the rest of the UK.
Easter supermarket hours can feel confusing, but the rules are there to give staff a well-earned break. By checking your local store in advance you’ll avoid disappointment and wasted journeys.
For the most accurate information, head straight to the retailer’s website or app rather than relying on general advice. Happy Easter shopping — and enjoy the long weekend!
This guide is based on the latest retailer statements published in early April 2026 and UK Sunday trading regulations. Individual store times may still vary.


Comments