In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, all large shops and supermarkets over 280 square metres must remain closed on Easter Sunday, which falls on April 5, 2026. This closure is a legal requirement under the Sunday Trading Act 1994, which prohibits large-scale retail activity on Easter Sunday and Christmas Day. However, small convenience stores (under 280 square metres), petrol stations, pharmacies, and shops located in airports or train stations are legally permitted to open and often maintain their standard or slightly reduced hours. In contrast, shops in Scotland do not face the same legal restrictions and many large supermarkets north of the border remain open. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of which major retailers are closed, where you can still pick up last-minute essentials, and how trading laws differ across the UK regions in 2026.
UK Sunday Trading Laws Explained
Understanding whether a shop is open on Easter Sunday depends primarily on the size of the store and its geographical location. The rules are strict for larger retailers but offer flexibility for local “express” style outlets.
The 280 Square Metre Rule: In England and Wales, any retail space larger than 280 square metres (approx. 3,000 sq ft) is classified as a “large shop” and must stay closed on Easter Sunday.
Small Shop Exemptions: Convenience stores like Tesco Express, Sainsbury’s Local, and independent corner shops are exempt and can trade for their usual Sunday hours.
Regional Variations: Scotland has its own distinct trading culture where large stores are generally permitted to open, though individual brand policies may vary.
Specific Exemptions: Regardless of size, certain businesses such as farm shops, motor accessory stores, and pharmacies are legally allowed to trade.
These laws are designed to provide retail workers with a guaranteed break on two of the most significant days in the calendar. For shoppers, this means that while the “big shop” at a superstore is impossible on Easter Sunday, local emergency supplies are usually still accessible.
Supermarket Opening Times 2026
The major UK supermarket chains follow a consistent pattern every year for the Easter weekend. While Good Friday and Easter Monday see reduced “bank holiday” hours, Easter Sunday is the only day with total closures for large outlets.
Tesco, Asda, and Sainsbury’s
For 2026, all Tesco Extra and Superstores, Asda Supercentres, and Sainsbury’s Supermarkets in England and Wales will be closed on Sunday, April 5. However, their convenience counterparts (Tesco Express and Sainsbury’s Local) are expected to remain open, typically from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Aldi, Lidl, and Morrisons
Discount retailers Aldi and Lidl maintain a firm closure policy for all stores in England and Wales on Easter Sunday. Morrisons also closes its larger supermarkets, though many Morrisons Daily convenience sites (often located at petrol forecourts) will remain operational.
Shopping Malls and High Street Retail
Mainstream fashion and department stores follow the same “large shop” regulations as supermarkets, meaning high streets are often much quieter on Easter Sunday.
Most major shopping centers, such as Westfield (London), the Trafford Centre (Manchester), and Bullring (Birmingham), will have their retail stores closed on April 5, 2026. However, the leisure and dining sections of these malls (cinemas, restaurants, and cafes) often remain open, as hospitality businesses are not subject to the same Sunday trading restrictions as retail shops. It is always advisable to check the specific mall’s website for “leisure only” opening times.
Exceptions: Where You Can Shop
If you find yourself in need of supplies on Easter Sunday 2026, there are several reliable options that remain open despite the general lockdown.
Petrol Stations: Most forecourt shops, including those with M&S Food or Little Waitrose sections, remain open 24/7 or with standard hours.
Garden Centres: Many large garden centres choose to close, but those with a focus on plants and farm produce may occasionally utilize exemptions to stay open.
Pharmacies: High street chemists may be closed, but “emergency” pharmacies and those within hospitals will remain available.
Transport Hubs: Shops located within major railway stations (like London St Pancras) or airports are legally allowed to trade and cater to travelers.
In Scotland, the situation is much more flexible. Major supermarkets in cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh often trade from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM or even their usual Sunday hours. Northern Ireland follows similar restrictive rules to England and Wales, with large stores typically closing entirely on the Sunday.
Practical Information and Planning
To ensure your Easter 2026 weekend goes smoothly, follow these practical tips for managing your shopping and errands.
Bank Holiday Hours: Remember that Good Friday (April 3) and Easter Monday (April 6) are bank holidays. Most large shops will open but may close earlier (e.g., 8:00 PM instead of 10:00 PM).
The “Saturday Rush”: Saturday, April 4, 2026, will likely be the busiest shopping day of the year. Plan to visit supermarkets before 10:00 AM to avoid the heaviest crowds.
Click & Collect: Most supermarket click-and-collect services are suspended on Easter Sunday. Ensure any orders are picked up by 10:00 PM on Saturday.
Hospitality: Pubs, restaurants, and takeaways are generally open on Easter Sunday. Booking in advance for “Easter Lunch” is highly recommended as venues fill up weeks in advance.
Local News: Check your local council or regional news site for any specific local exemptions that might apply to coastal “holiday resort” towns.
FAQs
Are shops open on Easter Sunday 2026 in England?
No, all large shops (over 280sqm) must close by law, though small convenience stores can remain open.
Are supermarkets open in Scotland on Easter Sunday?
Yes, most large supermarkets in Scotland remain open as they are not bound by the same Sunday Trading Act as England and Wales.
Is Tesco open on Easter Sunday?
Only Tesco Express stores are open. All larger Tesco Extra and Superstores are closed in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Can I buy alcohol on Easter Sunday?
Yes, convenience stores and off-licenses that are open can sell alcohol during their permitted Sunday hours.
Are garden centres open on Easter Sunday?
Most large garden centres are closed, as they typically exceed the 280 square metre limit.
What time does Sainsbury’s Local close on Easter Sunday?
Most Sainsbury’s Local stores trade their usual Sunday hours, typically 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Is Easter Monday a bank holiday in 2026?
Yes, Monday, April 6, 2026 is a bank holiday in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (but not a public holiday in Scotland).
Are pharmacies open on Easter Sunday?
While most high street pharmacies close, designated emergency pharmacies in each area remain open; check the NHS website for your local rota.
Are shops open in Wales on Easter Sunday?
No, Wales follows the same rules as England, meaning all large stores must close.
Is the Post Office open on Easter Sunday?
Most standalone Post Offices are closed. However, those located inside convenience stores that are open may offer limited services.
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