Easter Sunday Supermarket Opening Times in the UK

As the Easter weekend approaches in 2026, shoppers in the UK are preparing for the holiday with a keen eye on supermarket opening times. Easter Sunday, which falls on April 4 this year, is a day when most supermarkets in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will remain closed, adhering to longstanding regulations.

However, there are some notable exceptions. In Scotland, supermarkets will operate as normal on Easter Sunday, allowing shoppers to stock up on essentials. Additionally, some Little Waitrose stores will be open, providing limited access for those in need of groceries.

Leading up to Easter Sunday, Good Friday and Easter Saturday will see varied hours across different supermarket chains. Many supermarkets, including Tesco, will open from as early as 6am on Good Friday, with closing times typically around 10pm or 8pm, depending on the location.

For instance, Tesco stores in Wales will open at 6am and remain operational until midnight on Easter Saturday. Meanwhile, Co-op stores will generally operate from 7am to 10pm or 11pm, providing ample opportunity for shoppers to prepare for the holiday.

On Easter Saturday, Lidl and Aldi are expected to maintain their usual hours, opening at 8am and closing at 10pm. Asda may have varying hours, with some locations open 24 hours, offering flexibility for last-minute shoppers.

As Easter Sunday approaches, many customers are advised to check individual store hours, especially with M&S, which has indicated that store hours may differ. This is crucial for those who may rely on these stores for their Easter Sunday needs.

After Easter Sunday, many supermarkets will resume normal trading hours on Easter Monday, with most opening at 8am and closing by 8pm or 6pm. Aldi, for example, will open at 8am and close at 10pm, ensuring that customers have access to groceries after the holiday.

Overall, the Easter weekend presents a unique challenge for shoppers, as they navigate the varied opening hours of supermarkets. Understanding these times is essential for planning ahead, particularly for those who may need to shop on Easter Sunday.

In summary, while Easter Sunday will see most supermarkets closed in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, shoppers in Scotland and select stores will have options available. This sequence of events underscores the importance of checking store hours during holiday periods.