Easter 2025 is one of the most anticipated springtime holidays in the UK, bringing with it a long weekend, public holidays, and a wave of shopping for family meals, chocolate eggs, and festive treats. For many, it’s also a time of careful planning, especially around supermarket opening hours.
In the UK, supermarket trading hours often change significantly during Easter weekend. From reduced Sunday hours to full-day closures, understanding each chain’s schedule helps shoppers avoid closed doors and wasted trips.
This blog outlines the complete Easter 2025 supermarket opening hours for the most popular grocery stores in the UK, Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, Morrisons, Lidl, and more.
Let’s explore the full holiday schedule and help you plan your Easter shopping smoothly.
What Are the UK Supermarket Opening Hours for Good Friday 2025?
Good Friday, falling on 18 April 2025, marks the beginning of the Easter weekend and is a bank holiday across the UK. While it’s not a day for full closures, many supermarkets will operate under reduced hours.
Typical Trading Patterns on Good Friday
- Most Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Morrisons stores are expected to open from 8am to 8pm
- Smaller convenience-style stores such as Tesco Express or Sainsbury’s Local may have extended hours
- Aldi and Lidl stores usually open between 8am to 10pm, though some branches may close earlier
Regional Variations
In Wales and Northern Ireland, stores tend to follow similar timings, but Scottish locations may retain slightly longer hours due to different local trading laws.
Important Notes
- Online shopping and click-and-collect services may operate on limited slots
- Petrol stations within supermarket premises typically remain open with reduced staffing
- It is advisable to check with local store locators in advance to confirm regional variations
Planning to shop on Good Friday? Consider visiting in the morning to avoid busy crowds and potential stock shortages.
Are Supermarkets Open on Easter Sunday in England and Wales?
Easter Sunday, on 20 April 2025, is traditionally observed with near-universal closures for large retailers in England and Wales, as per trading laws. This includes most major supermarkets.
What Does the Law Say?
Under the Sunday Trading Act 1994, shops over 280 square metres must remain closed on Easter Sunday. This rule affects:
- Tesco Superstores and Extras
- Asda Supercentres
- Sainsbury’s Superstores
- Larger Morrisons and Aldi outlets
What Stays Open?
While big stores shut their doors, smaller-format stores may stay open, including:
- Tesco Express
- Sainsbury’s Local
- Co-op Local branches
- M&S Simply Food at petrol stations or train stations
Shopping Tips for Easter Sunday
- For essential top-ups, head to convenience-style shops
- Consider shopping early on Saturday or Good Friday
- Delivery and click-and-collect will not be available from most major supermarkets
Easter Sunday remains one of the quietest days in UK retail. Use it as a chance to relax or prepare meals ahead of Easter Monday.
How Do Supermarkets Easter Opening Times Vary in Scotland?
Scotland does not follow the same Easter Sunday trading restrictions as England and Wales. This means many supermarkets in Scotland remain open throughout the entire Easter weekend.
What Shoppers Can Expect?
- Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, and Sainsbury’s stores in Scotland are generally open as usual on Easter Sunday
- Aldi and Lidl branches may operate shortened hours, often 9am to 6pm
- Convenience branches maintain regular Sunday hours
Useful Tips
- While stores are open, some departments such as pharmacies or deli counters may close early
- Busier stores in Glasgow and Edinburgh may introduce crowd management measures
The relaxed trading rules in Scotland offer greater flexibility to shoppers, especially those planning last-minute Easter purchases.
Is Tesco Open Over the Easter Weekend?
Tesco, being the UK’s largest supermarket chain, varies its Easter opening hours by store format and region.
Tesco’s Easter Opening Times
Good Friday (18 April)
- Most stores open from 8am to 8pm
- Tesco Express stores open as usual
Easter Sunday (20 April)
- All Tesco Extras and Superstores closed in England and Wales
- Open in Scotland
- Tesco Express stores remain open nationwide
Easter Monday (21 April)
- Reduced hours, typically 8am to 6pm
What to Remember?
- Click-and-collect not available on Easter Sunday
- Pharmacies inside Tesco may operate reduced schedules
Always check the Tesco Store Locator for location-specific details. Their schedule is among the most frequently updated around holidays.
What Are Asda’s Easter Bank Holiday Opening Hours?
Asda follows a similar pattern to other major retailers, with closures on Easter Sunday but regular hours elsewhere.
Asda Easter 2025 OpeningTimes
Good Friday
- Stores likely open from 7am to 8pm
Easter Sunday
- Closed in England and Wales
- Open in Scotland
Easter Monday
- Hours generally 7am to 8pm or reduced depending on location
Notes:
- Asda Express stores may operate independently
- Petrol station branches often remain open with reduced hours
- Online deliveries resume on Easter Monday
With many shoppers relying on Asda for affordable Easter groceries, it’s best to plan in advance for the Sunday closure.
Will Aldi Change Its Supermarkets Easter Opening Times in 2025?
Aldi, known for its value pricing and streamlined shopping experience, observes the same Sunday closure rules as its competitors in England and Wales.
Aldi’s Easter Opening Hours 2025
Good Friday
- Typically open 8am to 10pm
Easter Sunday
- All Aldi stores in England and Wales closed
- Open in Scotland, hours likely 9am to 6pm
Easter Monday
- Reduced hours, usually 8am to 8pm
Important Reminders
- Aldi does not operate smaller store formats like Express or Local
- Plan bulk shopping before Saturday to avoid queues
Given the popularity of Aldi during holiday weekends, shopping early is recommended.
Are Sainsbury’s Stores Operating as Usual During Easter?
Sainsbury’s adapts its Easter opening times across its two major store formats: Superstores and Sainsbury’s Local.
Easter Schedule for Sainsbury’s in 2025
Good Friday
- Stores likely open 8am to 8pm
Easter Sunday
- Superstores closed in England and Wales
- Locals remain open, usually 7am to 11pm
- Open in Scotland
Easter Monday
- Reduced hours for Superstores: 8am to 6pm
Quick Tips
- Pharmacy hours may differ, especially on bank holidays
- Online slots for Easter week may be limited—book early
Sainsbury’s consistently updates its online checker with regional schedules, making it one of the easiest to navigate.
How Do Morrisons’ Easter Opening Hours Differ on Bank Holiday Monday?
Morrisons remains a popular stop for Easter roasts and fresh produce. Its Easter Monday trading times are especially important for shoppers needing final ingredients.
Easter Bank Holiday (21 April) Hours
- Most Morrisons stores will be open from 7am to 8pm
- In-store cafes may operate shorter hours
- Petrol stations open with modified schedules
Additional Insights
- Easter Sunday closures apply in England and Wales
- Stores in Scotland open as normal across the weekend
If you’re looking for fresh bakery items or last-minute desserts, Morrisons is a reliable option on Easter Monday.
Which Supermarkets Remain Open Late During Easter Weekend?
While most large stores close earlier than usual, some supermarket chains keep late hours across parts of the Easter weekend.
Late Opening Stores
- Sainsbury’s Local and Tesco Express open as late as 11pm
- Co-op branches often open from 7am to 10pm even on Good Friday
- Lidl stores in busy areas may close by 10pm on Good Friday and Easter Monday
Tips for Late-Night Shoppers
- Check local branches for specific timings
- Easter Sunday closures override late openings for large stores
- Use smaller format stores for essentials
Late shopping is possible but generally limited to local-style supermarkets.
Where Can Shoppers Check Real-Time Easter Opening Times for Supermarkets?
Given the variations between store formats, regions, and even neighbourhoods, checking opening hours online is essential.
Best Ways to Confirm Opening Hours
- Visit each supermarket’s store locator tool
- Use mobile apps (Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda) for updates
- Google Maps often displays real-time opening status
Additional Resources
- Most supermarkets post bank holiday notices at store entrances
- Twitter/X updates from customer support channels can help with urgent questions
Digital tools are the most reliable source for planning your Easter 2025 supermarket visits.
Conclusion
Planning ahead for supermarket opening times during Easter 2025 ensures a stress-free holiday.
With closures on Easter Sunday in England and Wales, and reduced hours on Good Friday and Easter Monday, shoppers are encouraged to complete their main purchases before the weekend begins.
Scotland offers more flexibility, with most stores open all weekend, but regardless of location, using store locators and mobile apps helps avoid confusion.
Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, preparing Easter baskets, or simply need a top-up shop, knowing the holiday schedules of Tesco, Asda, Aldi, Sainsbury’s, and Morrisons makes all the difference.
FAQs
What Time Do Supermarkets Close on Good Friday 2025?
Most major supermarkets close by 8pm on Good Friday, with smaller stores potentially open later.
Is Aldi Open on Easter Sunday 2025?
No, Aldi stores in England and Wales are closed on Easter Sunday, but open in Scotland.
Can I Shop at Tesco Express on Easter Sunday?
Yes, Tesco Express stores remain open throughout Easter Sunday with standard hours.
Are Supermarkets Open on Easter Monday?
Yes, most supermarkets are open on Easter Monday with slightly reduced hours.
Will I Be Able to Collect an Online Grocery Order on Easter Sunday?
No, most supermarkets pause click-and-collect and deliveries on Easter Sunday.
Which Supermarkets Are Best for Last-Minute Easter Shopping?
Tesco Express, Sainsbury’s Local, and Co-op are great options for last-minute Easter Sunday needs.
Where Can I Find Up-To-Date Easter Opening Times?
Use supermarket store locators or mobile apps for the latest opening hours during Easter 2025.