Easter Sunday is one of the most restricted shopping days of the year in the UK, but not for everyone. Whether you can walk into a supermarket or pick up essentials from a corner shop depends on where you are and how big the store is.
The rules vary significantly between England, Wales, and Scotland. While large shops in England and Wales are legally shut, smaller stores and Scottish retailers are often open. Understanding the difference can save you an unnecessary trip.
This article covers the legal framework, regional differences, and what to expect on Good Friday and Easter Monday, based on official sources and expert guidance.
Are Shops Open on Easter Sunday in the UK?
England & Wales
Large shops (over 280 sq m) must close on Easter Sunday. Small shops may open.
Scotland
No Sunday trading restrictions. Most shops can open as normal on Easter Sunday.
Small Shops & Exemptions
Small convenience stores, off‑licences, and pharmacies can open. Check locally.
Easter Monday & Good Friday
Easter Monday: shops usually open (reduced hours). Good Friday: open but some close for bank holiday.
Key insights at a glance
- Large shops in England and Wales are legally required to close on Easter Sunday, but small shops and Scottish stores are generally open.
- The Sunday Trading Act 1994 is the sole reason for the closure; it was introduced to protect workers and preserve the religious character of Easter Sunday.
- Easter Monday and Good Friday are not subject to the same Sunday trading restrictions, but many retailers choose to operate reduced hours on bank holidays.
- Planning ahead is essential: use store locators or order online for Easter Sunday essentials.
- Scotland has always had separate, more relaxed Sunday trading laws; there is no Easter Sunday ban.
Quick‑reference table: opening rules by day and region
| Day | England & Wales – Large shops | England & Wales – Small shops | Scotland |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easter Sunday | Closed (by law) | May open | Open (no restrictions) |
| Easter Monday | Open (reduced hours typical) | Open | Open |
| Good Friday | Open (some close voluntarily) | Open | Open |
Why Do Large Shops Have to Close on Easter Sunday?
The Sunday Trading Act 1994
The legal restriction on Easter Sunday trading comes from the Sunday Trading Act 1994. This Act regulates when large shops – those with a sales area of more than 280 square metres – can open in England and Wales.
Under the Act, large shops are permitted to trade for a maximum of six consecutive hours on Sundays, typically between 10am and 6pm. However, Easter Sunday and Christmas Day are entirely exempted: large shops must not open at all on these days.
The legislation was designed to protect shop workers from being forced to work on Easter Sunday, a day with religious significance. It also aimed to preserve the distinct character of Easter Sunday as a public holiday.
Why Easter Sunday is different from other Sundays
Unlike ordinary Sundays, where large shops can open for six hours, Easter Sunday is a complete trading prohibition. This means no partial opening – the doors must stay locked for the entire day. The same applies to Christmas Day.
The Government’s official guidance on trading hours for retailers confirms that large shops in England and Wales must not open on Easter Sunday. Small shops, defined as those under 280 square metres, are unaffected and may open at their discretion. For a full breakdown of the rules, see our Easter Sunday shop opening hours and UK trading restrictions.
Are Shops Open on Easter Sunday in Scotland?
No Easter Sunday closure law in Scotland
The Sunday Trading Act 1994 does not apply in Scotland. Scottish retailers are not bound by the same restrictions, so large supermarkets and department stores can open on Easter Sunday if they choose to.
This means that in practice, most major grocery chains in Scotland trade as normal on Easter Sunday. However, some individual stores may still decide to reduce hours or close voluntarily. It is always advisable to confirm with your local branch.
What Scottish shoppers should expect
For shoppers in Scotland, Easter Sunday is treated much like a regular Sunday. Many shops open with standard hours, though bank holiday adjustments are possible. The key point is that there is no legal barrier to opening.
Even though the law allows opening, some retailers may close for staff holidays. Use the store’s website or app to verify hours before travelling.
Which Shops Are Actually Open on Easter Sunday?
Small shops and exemptions
Across England, Wales, and Scotland, small shops (under 280 sq m) are free to open on Easter Sunday. This includes convenience stores, petrol station shops, off‑licences, and smaller branches of supermarket chains. Pharmacies are also classified as small shops, though many choose to close – the NHS pharmacy finder can help locate emergency openings.
Large supermarkets in England and Wales
The major supermarket chains – Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Aldi, Lidl, Waitrose – are almost all closed on Easter Sunday in England and Wales. The Co‑op is a partial exception: its smaller stores can open, while larger ones must close. The York City Council information on Sunday trading reiterates that the ban applies to any store above the size threshold.
Online and click‑and‑collect options
Although physical stores may be closed, online ordering and delivery services often continue. Many supermarkets offer home delivery or click‑and‑collect slots for Easter Sunday, though availability can be limited. Checking the retailer’s website in advance is recommended.
Even within the same chain, hours vary by location. A Tesco Extra is likely closed, while a Tesco Express may be open. Always check the specific store’s opening times online.
What Are the Opening Hours on Easter Monday and Good Friday?
Good Friday
Good Friday is a public holiday in the UK, but it is not a Sunday under the Trading Act. This means there is no legal requirement for shops to close. Most supermarkets operate normal or slightly reduced hours. Some independent retailers may choose to close for the day.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is also a bank holiday, and again there is no Sunday‑style closure rule. Many large retailers open with reduced hours, for example 8am to 8pm, rather than their usual 6am to midnight schedule. Smaller shops are generally open as usual.
A detailed overview of supermarket opening times for Easter 2026 from Day Out With The Kids confirms that Easter Monday commonly sees shorter hours across major chains.
When Did the Easter Sunday Trading Ban Come About?
- 1994 – The Sunday Trading Act 1994 was enacted. It allowed large shops in England and Wales to open on Sundays but with a 6‑hour window (10am–6pm). It specifically banned trading on Easter Sunday and Christmas Day.
- 2000s – Scotland always had separate, more relaxed Sunday trading laws; no Easter Sunday ban was ever introduced there.
- 2025/2026 – Current rules remain unchanged. No recent legislation has been passed to alter the Easter Sunday closure requirement.
What Is Certain and What Is Uncertain About Easter Sunday Opening Hours?
Established information
- Large shops (over 280 sq m) in England and Wales are legally prohibited from opening on Easter Sunday.
- Scotland has no legal restriction on Easter Sunday trading.
- Small shops in England and Wales may open at their discretion.
- Easter Monday and Good Friday are not covered by the Sunday Trading Act – shops can open (subject to usual bank holiday rules).
Information that remains unclear
- Individual supermarket chains may choose to close or reduce hours on Good Friday even though it is legal to open – check your local store.
- Some small shops may still close on Easter Sunday for religious reasons or to give staff a holiday.
- Opening times on Easter Monday vary by store; always confirm directly with the retailer.
Why Was Easter Sunday Chosen as a Restricted Day?
The decision to ban large‑shop trading on Easter Sunday has both religious and social roots. Easter Sunday is considered the most important day in the Christian calendar, and the legislation was intended to preserve its special character as a day of rest and worship. The Sunday Trading Act 1994 deliberately exempted Easter Sunday and Christmas Day from the standard Sunday trading allowances.
From an economic perspective, the ban shifts shopping patterns. Online orders often increase in the days before Easter, and small convenience stores see higher footfall as customers look for last‑minute items. The restriction applies only to physical stores above a certain size, so digital commerce is largely unaffected.
What Do Official Sources Say About Easter Sunday Trading?
“Large shops in England and Wales must not open on Easter Sunday or Christmas Day.”
– GOV.UK, Trading hours for retailers: the law
“Sunday trading restrictions … not allowed to trade on Easter Day or Christmas Day if it falls on a Sunday.”
– City of York Council, Information for businesses on Sunday trading
Both official sources are consistent. The legislation itself is clear: the prohibition applies to any store exceeding 280 square metres, and there are no exceptions for different types of retail. Local authorities may provide additional guidance but cannot override the national law.
What Should You Remember About Easter Sunday Shopping?
The key point is that Easter Sunday is the only day of the Easter weekend with mandatory large‑shop closures in England and Wales. Small shops are generally open, and Scotland has no restrictions. For Easter Monday and Good Friday, expect most stores to be open, often with shorter hours. Always check your specific store’s website before heading out. For more detailed information on all Easter weekend opening rules, read our researched summary of Easter Sunday opening rules for 2025 and 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are shops open on Easter Sunday 2026?
Yes – but with the same restrictions: large shops in England & Wales closed, small shops and Scottish stores open. Always check specific store hours as 2026 dates approach.
Are shops open on Easter Monday?
Generally yes, but many supermarkets operate reduced hours (e.g., 8am–8pm or 10am–4pm). Check with your local store.
Are shops open on Good Friday?
Legally yes, but some retailers close for the bank holiday or open later. Online orders may be delayed.
Do pharmacies open on Easter Sunday?
Pharmacies are often classified as small shops and may open, but many choose to close. Use the NHS pharmacy finder for emergency openings.
Are petrol station shops open on Easter Sunday?
Yes, petrol station convenience stores are usually small shops and can open on Easter Sunday. Hours may be reduced.
Are shops open in Northern Ireland on Easter Sunday?
Northern Ireland has its own trading laws. Easter Sunday restrictions can differ from Great Britain rules, so always check local advice.
Amelia Ward is Managing Editor at PlaylisterUK.co.uk, running the daily news list, the publishing schedule and the music submissions workflow.