Easter weekend is almost upon us, which means many people around the nation are stocking up on Easter eggs and preparing to indulge in hot cross buns.
Many will enjoy an extra-long weekend thanks to Good Friday and Easter Monday, and sunny spells are even possible in some parts of the country – although the same can’t be said for the rest of Europe.
As with other major holidays, there will be some changes to opening times and transport schedules over Easter.
And, those who want to squeeze in some last-minute shopping or top up on treats they’ve run out of on Sunday are reminded that shop opening times may differ.
While most supermarkets operate on bank holidays, national holidays and festive celebrations, even our retail staff need a break.
In fact, UK trading laws specify that large shops have to close on Easter Sunday.
As a result, you need to be aware of shortened opening hours and store closures. Here are the key supermarket opening times for Easter 2024.
Tesco
Tesco's opening hours over the Easter weekend will depend on your location.
Most stores will be open on the days around Easter Sunday. However, the majority of Tesco and Tesco Express shops will then be closed on Easter Sunday. Stores in Scotland will follow a different schedule and will actually be open on Easter Sunday.
Good Friday: 6am to 10pm (times may vary on location)
Saturday: 6am to midnight
Easter Sunday: Closed (Scotland stores open 8am to 8pm)
Easter Monday: 8am to 6pm (Reduced hours vary on location)
Asda
Like other supermarkets, Asda will also operate on a reduced schedule over the Easter weekend. Of course, these times can sometimes vary depending on location, so make sure you check with local stores.
Good Friday: 6am to 10pm (times may vary on location)
Saturday: 6am to 10pm (times may vary on location)
Easter Sunday: Closed (Scotland stores open for varying times)
Easter Monday: 6am to 10pm (times may vary on location)
Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury's has more than 600 supermarkets and 800 grocery stores in operation across the UK. Although the opening times may vary depending on whether you’re shopping at a Sainsbury’s Local or a larger Sainsbury’s supermarket, expect all stores to be closed in England and Wales on Easter Sunday.
Good Friday: 7am to 10pm
Saturday: 7am to 10pm
Easter Sunday: Closed (Scotland stores open)
Easter Monday: 8am to 8pm (depending on location and store type)
Morrisons
Morrisons may have reduced opening hours at some of its stores in the run-up to Easter Sunday. However, most will have normal opening hours before the main Easter celebrations.
Good Friday: 7am and 10pm
Saturday: Normal operating hours
Easter Sunday: Closed (Scotland stores open)
Easter Monday: 7am and 8pm
Lidl
Lidl has already shared advice with shoppers about what to expect on Easter weekend. The retailers are expecting a surge of shoppers – and last year clocked 2,000 purchases a minute on Saturday ahead of store closures.
On days that they’re open, Lidl is urging people to make the most of quieter shopping times by getting into store at 8am or after 6pm.
Good Friday: 8am and 8pm
Saturday: 8am and 8pm
Easter Sunday: Closed
Easter Monday: 8am and 8pm
Aldi
Aldi’s 800-plus UK stores will also operate on a reduced service, but they still give shoppers plenty of time to stock up on last-minute Easter eggs – in case you ate yours too early. Local opening times may vary, so make sure to check the signs at your closest store.
Good Friday: 8am - 10pm
Holy Saturday: 8am - 10pm
Easter Sunday: Closed
Easter Monday: 8am - 8pm
Waitrose
While most shops will be closed on Easter Sunday, a handful of key locations will actually be open. There will also be some variations for Little Waitrose shops, which will operate later. It’s best to check with your local outlet to know for sure.
Good Friday: 8am-8pm (Little Waitrose: 6am - midnight)
Holy Saturday: Normal hours
Easter Sunday: Most stores closed except for Fulham Palace Rd, West Kensington, Clapham Common, Knightsbridge, Victoria Street, Kings Cross Station, South Bank Tower, Wimbledon Hill, East Putney, West Hampstead, Highbury Corner, Muswell Hill, Finchley Central, Byres Rd, Newton Mearns, Stirling, Milngavie, Comely Bank, Morningside, Fitzroy Street, Cambridge.
Easter Monday: 8am-8pm (Little Waitrose: 6am - midnight)
Co-op
Most larger Co-op stores will operate regular hours on Friday, Saturday, and Monday. However, as with the others on this list, stores will be closed nationwide on Sunday and smaller outlets will have irregular hours. Some smaller shops will be open on Sunday.
Good Friday: 7am and 10pm (Depending on location)
Holy Saturday: 7am and 10pm (Depending on location)
Easter Sunday: Larger stores closed (Small stores and outlets in Scotland open)
Easter Monday: 7am and 10pm (Depending on location)
