Easter Bank Holiday weekends in the UK are a time for family gatherings, chocolate egg hunts, and, of course, the traditional last-minute dash to the supermarket. Whether you’re preparing a roast dinner or restocking the fridge after a weekend of indulging, knowing your local store’s Easter opening hours is essential.
Major UK supermarkets like Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Aldi, Lidl, and others have issued important updates regarding store operations over Easter, including Easter Monday hours. If you’re planning a trip to your go-to grocery store, this guide will help you avoid any surprises.
Why Supermarket Opening Hours Change Over Easter
Government Restrictions and Store Size
Bank holiday trading hours in England and Wales are regulated by law, particularly on Easter Sunday and Christmas Day. Shops that exceed 280 square metres in size must remain closed on Easter Sunday. This means the majority of large supermarkets shut their doors for the day, while smaller convenience-style outlets, such as Tesco Express or Sainsbury’s Local, are permitted to stay open.
The law is designed to give retail staff a guaranteed day off, ensuring that families can enjoy the holiday together. The changes in hours surrounding Easter weekend reflect this effort, with most supermarkets either closing completely on Easter Sunday or running reduced hours before and after.
Local Variations
Store hours may differ depending on region and store size. While some stores operate reduced hours on bank holidays, others stick to regular trading schedules. To get the most accurate information for your area, each supermarket recommends using their online store locators.
Let’s take a closer look at how major supermarkets have adjusted their trading schedules over Easter 2025.
Aldi Easter Opening Hours
Closure on Easter Sunday
Aldi gave its workforce a well-deserved break by closing all stores on Easter Sunday. This is in line with company tradition, with Aldi routinely closing for key holidays such as Easter and Christmas.
Reduced Hours on Easter Monday
Aldi stores reopened on Easter Monday with reduced operating hours from 8am to 8pm. These shorter hours provide customers with access to essentials while still allowing staff some extra time with family.
To confirm opening hours at your nearest Aldi branch, you can use their store finder tool at stores.aldi.co.uk/store-finder.
Asda Easter Opening Hours
Full Closure on Easter Sunday
Asda’s larger stores were closed across England and Wales on Easter Sunday, complying with government regulations.
Reopening on Easter Monday
Asda stores resumed trading on Easter Monday, generally between 8am and 10pm. However, times may vary slightly by location.
Express-style Asda stores are open earlier, operating from 7am to 10pm, offering more flexibility for quick shopping trips.
For location-specific details, visit Asda’s online locator to double-check local opening times.
Lidl Easter Opening Hours
Closed on Easter Sunday
Lidl stores in England and Wales followed the usual tradition of closing on Easter Sunday. Customers in Scotland may have experienced different hours, as Scottish trading laws are not the same.
Back Open on Easter Monday
Stores reopened on Easter Monday with reduced hours from 8am to 8pm. This provides plenty of time to stock up without the long queues often seen over the weekend.
You can check the opening hours of your nearest Lidl by visiting their official store finder: lidl.co.uk/c/store-finder/s10023098.
Morrisons Easter Opening Hours
Varying Hours by Region
Morrisons has stores across England, Scotland, and Wales, and its opening hours reflect this geographic spread. On Easter Sunday, stores in England and Wales were closed in accordance with legal requirements. Stores in Scotland may have stayed open depending on local decisions.
Easter Monday Hours
On Easter Monday, most Morrisons stores reopened with reduced hours, typically from 7am to 8pm. However, the company urges customers to verify times through their online store locator due to regional differences and potential last-minute changes.
To check your local Morrisons’ schedule, go to my.morrisons.com/storefinder.
Sainsbury’s Easter Opening Hours
Sunday Closures and Express Options
Like many others, Sainsbury’s closed most of its larger stores on Easter Sunday. However, Sainsbury’s Local convenience stores—generally smaller than 280 square metres—remained open for those who needed to pick up last-minute items.
Reduced Monday Hours
On Easter Monday, most Sainsbury’s supermarkets opened between 8am and 8pm, while Local stores resumed their normal 7am to 10pm operating hours.
You can find exact times for your preferred store at stores.sainsburys.co.uk.
Tesco Easter Opening Hours
Sunday Shutdown for Larger Stores
Tesco’s large format stores were also shut on Easter Sunday in England and Wales, in keeping with national trading rules. However, Tesco Express branches remained open for business as usual, offering essentials and convenience shopping.
Variable Monday Schedules
Tesco stores reopened on Easter Monday, but with varying schedules depending on location. Many larger outlets operated with reduced hours, typically closing at 8pm. Meanwhile, Tesco Express locations kept to their standard hours, often open from 6am to 11pm.
To check the specific times for your local Tesco, visit tesco.com/store-locator.
Other Supermarkets and Retail Chains
Waitrose
Waitrose typically closes on Easter Sunday and operates reduced hours on bank holidays. For Easter Monday, most branches open from around 8am to 6pm. However, store-specific times are available on the Waitrose store locator tool.
Iceland and The Food Warehouse
Iceland and The Food Warehouse generally shut their larger stores on Easter Sunday. On Easter Monday, hours may vary significantly, so it’s best to consult their respective websites for the most accurate details.
Co-op
Unlike many of its larger competitors, Co-op stores often remain open on Easter Sunday, as most locations fall under the 280-square-metre threshold. Easter Monday hours usually remain unchanged, but may differ slightly in some branches.
Why Using a Store Locator Is Key
Supermarkets often publish general guidelines about trading hours during holidays, but variations are common depending on:
- Local council rules
- Store size
- Staff availability
- Regional holidays (especially in Scotland and Northern Ireland)
A store locator is the most reliable way to ensure you don’t turn up to a closed store. All major supermarkets maintain updated locator tools on their websites, making it easy to find exact opening and closing times near you.
Here’s a quick list of store locator links
- Aldi – stores.aldi.co.uk/store-finder
- Asda – storelocator.asda.com
- Lidl – lidl.co.uk/c/store-finder/s10023098
- Morrisons – my.morrisons.com/storefinder
- Sainsbury’s – stores.sainsburys.co.uk
- Tesco – tesco.com/store-locator
- Waitrose – waitrose.com/storelocator
- Iceland – iceland.co.uk/store-finder
Planning Ahead for Future Bank Holidays
If you’ve found yourself scrambling to buy eggs or milk this Easter, it may be time to start planning ahead for future bank holidays. Here are a few tips:
Shop Early
Avoid the rush by picking up essentials a few days before the holiday weekend begins. Stores are often less crowded midweek, and stock levels are more reliable.
Use Delivery Services
Most supermarkets offer home delivery or click-and-collect options. Booking a delivery slot in advance, especially for major holidays, can save you both time and stress.
Keep a Pantry List
Create a list of non-perishable staples that you rely on during long weekends. Stocking up on canned goods, frozen meals, and snacks ensures you’re covered even if you miss the open window for in-store shopping.
Final Thoughts
Easter weekend is a welcome break for many across the UK, and supermarkets do their part by giving staff time off while still catering to customers through Express branches and adjusted schedules. Whether you forgot hot cross buns or need ingredients for a family meal, knowing when your store is open can save time, frustration, and unnecessary travel.
As always, check with your local branch through their store locator and consider planning ahead for the next bank holiday. With a little foresight and the right tools, your future holiday weekends can be smooth and stress-free.
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