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Easter in the UK brings not only joy, tradition, and celebration but also changes in the usual schedule for public services and retailers. Whether you’re hosting a family feast or grabbing last-minute essentials, it’s crucial to know when your local supermarket is open.
With closures on Easter Sunday and limited hours across the weekend, being aware of supermarkets Easter opening times can save you time and prevent holiday stress.
This 2025 guide outlines expected trading hours for major UK supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Aldi, Lidl, Morrisons, Co-op, and Waitrose.
Whether you’re shopping in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, this is your go-to Easter bank holiday schedule.
What Are the Easter Bank Holiday Dates in the UK for 2025?
Easter weekend in 2025 falls on the following dates:
- Good Friday: 18 April 2025
- Easter Sunday: 20 April 2025
- Easter Monday: 21 April 2025
These bank holidays bring changes to standard trading practices across the UK. In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, larger retail stores those over 280 square meters in size are required by law to remain closed on Easter Sunday.
In contrast, Scottish law does not impose the same restriction, allowing greater flexibility for businesses.
What Time Will Tesco Be Open Over Easter 2025?
Tesco shoppers can expect varied hours depending on the store type and location.
Tesco Trading Schedule
- Good Friday: Most Tesco Extras and Superstores open 8am–6pm
- Easter Sunday: Closed in England, Wales and Northern Ireland; Express stores may open
- Easter Monday: Open with reduced hours, typically 8am–6pm
Check Tesco’s store locator for the most accurate local information. Opening times for Express stores are usually more flexible and depend on regional demand.
When Is Asda Open During the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend 2025?
Asda follows a similar pattern to Tesco, with large stores closing on Easter Sunday in line with national legislation. On Good Friday and Easter Monday, stores are open but with shorter hours.
Customers in Scotland may find Asda stores open on all days of the holiday. For specific hours, the Asda website and app provide live updates and access to local store information.
How Will Sainsbury’s Bank Holiday Opening Hours Change for Easter 2025?
Sainsbury’s, one of the UK’s most popular supermarkets, will also observe changes in its operations during the Easter bank holiday.
On Good Friday, most larger Sainsbury’s stores are expected to open from around 8am to 8pm, while smaller convenience branches, such as Sainsbury’s Local, may offer longer hours.
On Easter Sunday, all large Sainsbury’s stores in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will be closed in compliance with trading laws. Sainsbury’s Local stores, which cater to residential and urban areas, are likely to remain open, albeit with reduced operating times.
On Easter Monday, both large and small stores are likely to operate under limited trading schedules, typically opening later and closing earlier than usual.
Is Morrisons Open on Easter Sunday 2025?
Morrisons will close its large stores across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland on Easter Sunday in accordance with national trading laws. However, Scottish branches are not subject to these restrictions and may remain open, depending on local store management.
Additionally, many petrol station outlets attached to Morrisons stores will likely continue to operate throughout the weekend, offering essential items and fuel.
Morrisons Easter 2025 Key Times
| Date | Status | Notes |
| Good Friday | Open (reduced hours) | Typically shorter hours than usual |
| Easter Sunday | Closed (Eng/Wal/NI), Open in Scotland | Petrol station stores may remain open in all regions |
| Easter Monday | Open (reduced hours) | Most stores open, check local branch for exact timings |
Customers should check the Morrisons store finder online for the most accurate opening hours specific to their location.
What Are Aldi’s Opening Times for Easter Weekend 2025?
Aldi stores are known for their straightforward and consistent trading hours across the UK. During Easter 2025, Aldi will follow its usual pattern of modified hours, with full closures on Easter Sunday in regions where legal restrictions apply.
Aldi Easter 2025 Key Times
| Date | Status | Notes |
| Good Friday | Open 8am – 8pm | Standard bank holiday hours across the UK |
| Easter Sunday | Closed (England/Wales/NI) | Open in Scotland only |
| Easter Monday | Open 8am – 8pm | Nationwide reduced hours apply |
Since Aldi does not offer delivery or Click & Collect services, customers should plan to shop in-store. It is recommended to visit earlier in the week to avoid long queues or low stock.
Aldi typically confirms exact holiday hours on its website approximately one week prior to Easter weekend.
When Can You Shop at Lidl During Easter 2025?
Lidl’s trading times mirror those of Aldi, with consistency across the network:
- Good Friday and Easter Monday: Reduced hours, usually 8am–8pm
- Easter Sunday: Closed in most parts of the UK, open in some parts of Scotland
As always, Lidl encourages customers to use their online store finder for the most accurate local opening times.
What Is Co-op’s Easter Opening Schedule for 2025?
Unlike the larger chains, Co-op offers more flexible trading hours over Easter. Many of their smaller community-based stores stay open throughout the weekend even on Easter Sunday.
Here’s what to expect:
- Smaller Co-op stores: Often open all weekend
- Larger Co-op supermarkets: May be closed on Easter Sunday
- Good Friday & Easter Monday: Most branches open, though times may vary
The Co-op remains a go-to for last-minute Easter essentials when the bigger stores are closed.
When Will Waitrose Be Open Over Easter 2025?
Waitrose stores will largely align with the UK’s national Easter trading regulations, adjusting their hours accordingly over the long weekend.
Waitrose Easter 2025 Key Times
| Date | Status (England/Wales/NI) | Notes |
| Good Friday | Open (typically 8am – 8pm) | Standard hours for most stores |
| Easter Sunday | Closed | Stores closed due to trading laws |
| Easter Monday | Open (usually 8am – 6pm) | Shorter hours across most regions |
Waitrose branches in Scotland may offer extended or regular trading hours, as the same Easter Sunday restrictions do not apply. Customers are encouraged to use the Waitrose store locator in early April to confirm local opening times.
Which Supermarkets Are Open or Closed on Easter Sunday 2025?
Here’s a handy table comparing Easter Sunday opening status:
Supermarket Easter Sunday 2025
| Supermarket | Open on Easter Sunday? (England/Wales/NI) | Notes |
| Tesco | No | Express stores may be open |
| Asda | No | Check individual branches |
| Sainsbury’s | No | Sainsbury’s Local may open |
| Morrisons | No | Petrol stations may remain open |
| Aldi | No | Closed except in Scotland |
| Lidl | No | Scottish branches may open |
| Co-op | Partially | Smaller stores usually open |
| Waitrose | No | Scottish stores may vary |
How Can You Make the Most of Bank Holiday Shopping in the UK?
To avoid last-minute queues and limited stock, it’s best to prepare early. Here’s how you can make the most of your Easter food shop:
- Plan ahead and visit supermarkets before Good Friday
- Book delivery slots early if you’re using online services
- Use Express and Local stores for Sunday top-ups
- Check official store apps for live updates and regional exceptions
This approach ensures you won’t get caught out by unexpected closures or long bank holiday lines.
What Should You Know About Grocery Store Holiday Times This Easter?
Easter trading hours impact all major supermarkets in the UK. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, large stores will close on Easter Sunday. Shoppers in Scotland have more flexibility, with several chains remaining open on that day.
Supermarkets like Tesco, Asda, and Sainsbury’s offer store locators and mobile apps to check specific timings. If you’re looking for last-minute essentials, convenience-focused stores such as Co-op or Tesco Express are the best options.
What Are the Legal Rules for Supermarket Trading on Easter Sunday in the UK?
Supermarket closures on Easter Sunday in many parts of the UK are not just business decisions they’re governed by specific trading laws.
 In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, large retail stores those with a floor area exceeding 280 square metres are prohibited from opening on Easter Sunday and Christmas Day under national trading regulations.
This applies to most major supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Morrisons. Smaller convenience stores such as Tesco Express, Co-op and Sainsbury’s Local are generally exempt from these rules, allowing them to open with fewer restrictions.
Conclusion
Understanding supermarket opening times during the Easter bank holiday weekend in the UK is essential for smooth and stress free planning.
 Since most supermarkets in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland shut on Easter Sunday and operate shorter hours on Good Friday and Easter Monday. it’s wise for shoppers to prepare in advance to avoid disruption and check their local store’s specific schedule.
Whether you’re shopping at Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Aldi, Lidl, Morrisons, Co-op, or Waitrose, knowing their Easter hours helps ensure you’re not caught off guard during one of the busiest weekends of the year.
FAQs About UK Supermarkets Easter Opening Times
Are online grocery deliveries available on Easter Sunday?
No, most major supermarkets pause deliveries on Easter Sunday due to store closures.
Which stores are open in Scotland on Easter Sunday?
Some Aldi, Lidl and Co-op stores in Scotland may remain open depending on local policy.
Do petrol station supermarkets open on Easter Sunday?
Yes, many Tesco and Morrisons fuel station stores stay open to provide essentials.
How early should I book an Easter delivery slot?
Slots usually open two to three weeks in advance and fill up quickly book early to avoid missing out.
Can I rely on convenience stores for Sunday shopping?
Yes, many Co-op, Tesco Express, and Sainsbury’s Local stores operate limited hours on Easter Sunday.
Will supermarket pharmacy counters be open over Easter?
Some may open on Good Friday and Easter Monday but are generally closed on Easter Sunday.
Is it better to shop before or after the Easter weekend?
Shopping earlier in the week ideally before Good Friday helps avoid crowds and stock shortages.