May has arrived, marking the official start of spring and a welcome change in weather across the UK. For many Britons tired of the cold winter months, this pre-summer period brings excitement and the promise of warmer days ahead. The United Kingdom enjoys two bank holidays in May, following the Easter weekend in April. These are the Early May bank holiday on Monday, 4 May, and the spring bank holiday on Monday, 25 May. Both always fall on a Monday, granting workers a well-deserved three-day weekend.
Plan Your Bank Holiday Shopping
Whether you are hosting family and friends, planning a weekend getaway, or simply firing up the barbecue, it is essential to know that bank holidays significantly alter the operating hours of major supermarkets. To help you prepare, we have compiled the typical opening hours for the UK's largest grocery retailers on these dates.
Sainsbury's
4 May: 8am – 8pm
25 May: 8am – 8pm
Smaller stores: Most Sainsbury's Local branches will remain open from 7am to 11pm.
Tesco
4 May: 8am – 6pm
25 May: 8am – 6pm
Smaller stores: Tesco Express locations usually operate normal hours, typically from 6am to 11pm.
Asda
4 May: 8am – 8pm
25 May: 8am – 8pm
Smaller stores: Asda Express stores generally remain open 24 hours or until their usual late-night closing time.
Lidl
4 May: 8am – 8pm (some stores in Greater London open until 10pm)
25 May: 8am – 8pm (some stores in Greater London open until 10pm)
Aldi
4 May: 8am – 8pm
25 May: 8am – 8pm
M&S
4 May: 9am – 6pm
25 May: 9am – 6pm
Smaller stores: M&S stores in travel hubs such as stations and airports, as well as garages, usually maintain normal hours.
Waitrose
4 May: 8am – 6pm (some larger branches may vary)
25 May: 8am – 6pm
Smaller stores: Little Waitrose branches typically open until 10pm or 11pm.
Co-op
4 May: 8am – 8pm (main stores)
25 May: 8am – 8pm (main stores)
Smaller stores: Convenience branches usually stay open until 10pm or 11pm.
Morrisons
4 May: 7am – 8pm
25 May: 7am – 8pm
Smaller stores: Morrisons Daily stores typically remain open until 10pm or 11pm.
Iceland
4 May: 8am – 7pm
25 May: 8am – 7pm
Please note that these hours are typical and may vary by location. It is always advisable to check with your local store for exact timings. Enjoy the bank holiday weekend!
