Easter 2026 Supermarket Opening Hours: Essential Guide for Bank Holiday Shoppers
As the long Easter weekend approaches in 2026, households across the UK are preparing for celebrations by planning trips to supermarkets for food, treats, and last-minute essentials. However, shoppers need to be aware that several major retailers will adjust their opening hours over the bank holiday period, requiring careful planning to avoid disappointment.
The biggest supermarket chains—including Tesco, Asda, Aldi, Lidl, Morrisons, Sainsbury's, and Waitrose—have confirmed their trading schedules for Easter 2026. While many stores will remain open throughout the weekend, large supermarkets in England and Wales will typically close on Easter Sunday due to legal trading restrictions. Customers are strongly advised to verify the specific hours of their local branch online, as opening times can vary significantly between different locations.
Detailed Supermarket Opening Hours for Easter 2026
Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the expected opening hours for major supermarkets during the Easter 2026 weekend. Always double-check with individual stores before making your journey.
Asda
All Asda filling stations with pay-at-the-pump facilities will remain open throughout the Easter weekend. Standard trading hours may differ from outlet to outlet, so customers should use Asda's store locator to confirm individual store times.
- Good Friday (April 3): Most larger stores open from 7am to 10pm
- Easter Sunday (April 5): Most larger stores closed
- Easter Monday (April 6): Most larger stores open from 8am to 10pm
Aldi
Local store hours may vary. Aldi recommends shopping early between 8am and 9am or later in the evening to avoid crowds. Check the opening hours of your local Aldi via their website.
- Good Friday and Saturday (April 3-4): 8am to 9pm
- Easter Sunday: Closed in England and Wales (some Scottish stores may be open)
- Easter Monday: 8am to 8pm
Lidl
Lidl will operate similar opening hours to Aldi at the majority of stores over the weekend, with supermarkets in England and Wales closing on Easter Sunday.
- Good Friday: England and Wales open as usual; Scotland reduced hours from 9am to 10pm
- Saturday (April 4): Normal trading hours
- Easter Sunday: England and Wales closed; Scotland open
- Easter Monday: Hours vary by location; check store finder or Lidl Plus app
Marks & Spencer
Trading hours vary by store. M&S is also launching an Easter Dine-In range from April 1 to 5. Shoppers should verify their local store's opening hours before visiting.
- Good Friday: All branches open
- Easter Sunday: Most stores closed, except some convenience stores and Scottish locations
- Easter Monday: 8am to 8pm
Morrisons
Check local stores using the Morrisons store finder.
- Good Friday: Most stores open from 7am to 10pm
- Easter Sunday: England and Wales 7am to 8pm; Scotland usual hours
- Easter Monday: England and Wales 7am to 8pm; Scotland usual hours
Sainsbury's
Trading hours can vary; customers should check their local store.
- Good Friday and Saturday (April 3-4): Most supermarkets 7am to 11pm; convenience stores open 7am to 11pm
- Easter Sunday: Stores closed across the UK except Scotland; convenience stores open 7am to 11pm
- Easter Monday: Most supermarkets 8am to 8pm; convenience stores open 7am to 11pm
Tesco
Opening hours vary by location. Tesco Petrol Filling Stations may also differ from store hours. Shoppers are advised to check local stores before visiting.
- Good Friday: Express stores no changes; large stores in England, Wales, and Isle of Man 6am to 10pm; large stores in Scotland and Northern Ireland standard hours
- Easter Sunday: Large Tesco Express stores closed; standard Express stores no change; Scotland large stores open as usual; Isle of Man 8am to 10pm
- Easter Monday: Express stores 8am to 6pm; large stores England, Wales, and Isle of Man 8am to 6pm; Northern Ireland 8am to 8pm; Scotland usual hours
Waitrose
Check branch finder for individual store hours before visiting.
- Good Friday: Most stores open, some with reduced hours (typically 7.30am to 9pm or 8am to 10pm)
- Easter Sunday: Most stores closed; some convenience stores open
- Easter Monday: Stores open, some with reduced hours
Shoppers planning to stock up for the bank holiday are encouraged to check their local supermarket's website or store locator before travelling, as opening hours can vary depending on the specific location. This proactive approach will help ensure a smooth and successful shopping experience during the Easter 2026 celebrations.
