For 2026, Easter Sunday falls on April 5. Mark it in your calendar—and maybe set a reminder to buy your milk the day before. Large Tesco stores (think the big ones with the clothing sections and the bakery that smells like heaven) will be shut all day. Yep, not even a crack in the door.
But here’s the plot twist: Tesco Express stores—the little guys in petrol stations and city centres—are usually open. They’ll likely have reduced hours, like 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM instead of the usual 24-hour chaos. So, if you forgot to buy the carrots for the Easter roast, you can still grab some—just don’t expect a full aisle of fancy cheeses.
Why the big closure? (And why it’s actually a little funny)
The reason Tesco shuts on Easter Sunday is the law of the land—well, the law of England and Wales, anyway. The Sunday Trading Act 1994 says large shops can only open for six hours on a regular Sunday, but on Easter Sunday? They’re forbidden to open at all. It’s like the government decided that even retail workers deserve to have a lie-in and eat chocolate for breakfast.
Now, if you’re in Scotland, relax. Scottish superstores can open on Easter Sunday, because Scotland loves to do its own thing (see also: their own banknotes and deep-fried Mars bars). So if you’re north of the border, you might find your local megastore open, but still check online—because even Scotland has standards.
Tesco cracks the Easter market with a seasonal logo makeover | The Drum
And for my friends in Northern Ireland? The rules are different there, too. Some Tesco stores open, some don’t—it’s a bit like a box of chocolates: you never know what you’re gonna get. Your best bet is to use the Tesco store locator on their website, which updates hours closer to the date.
