May bank holidays reshape supermarket opening hours across the UK

Key facts

• Early May bank holiday falls on 4 May, spring bank holiday on 25 May.
• Both bank holidays always occur on a Monday.
• Tesco Express stores typically operate normal hours (6am–11pm) on both days.
• Sainsbury's Local stores open 7am–11pm on bank holidays.
• Asda Express locations remain open 24 hours or until usual late-night closing.
• M&S stores in travel hubs and garages maintain normal hours.
• Waitrose branches open 8am–6pm on bank holidays; some larger branches may vary.
• Some stores in Greater London open until 10pm on both bank holidays.

Two bank holidays bring altered schedules

The United Kingdom marks two bank holidays in May: the Early May bank holiday on 4 May and the spring bank holiday on 25 May. Both fall on a Monday, granting millions of workers a three-day weekend. The holidays follow two Easter bank holidays in April, and for many Britons they signal the start of warmer weather and outdoor gatherings. Shoppers planning barbecues, family visits or weekend getaways must account for reduced supermarket opening hours. While smaller convenience stores often keep near-normal timetables, larger branches and standard supermarkets typically operate on truncated schedules.

Major chains publish adjusted timetables

Tesco Express stores will run normal hours, generally 6am to 11pm, on both bank holidays. Sainsbury's Local outlets open from 7am to 11pm. Asda Express locations, which include many 24-hour sites, will remain open around the clock or until their usual late-night closing time. Marks & Spencer stores in travel hubs such as stations, airports and garages will maintain regular hours. However, standard M&S branches will open from 8am to 6pm, with some larger stores varying. Waitrose branches will open 8am to 6pm on both bank holidays, while Little Waitrose convenience stores typically stay open until 10pm or 11pm.

Greater London stores enjoy extended hours

Some supermarkets in Greater London will remain open until 10pm on both bank holidays, a concession not available in most other regions. The extended hours apply to select branches of major chains, though specific locations have not been disclosed by all retailers. Shoppers are advised to check their local store's website before travelling, as opening times can vary by branch. Even within the same chain, a city-centre outlet may operate different hours from a suburban one.

Convenience formats offer flexibility

Morrisons Daily stores typically stay open until 10pm or 11pm on bank holidays, providing a reliable option for last-minute purchases. Asda Express, which operates many 24-hour sites, offers the greatest flexibility for shoppers needing supplies at any hour. Tesco Express and Sainsbury's Local, with their near-normal hours, also serve as fallback options. The consistency of convenience formats contrasts with the reduced schedules of full-size supermarkets, which often close by 8pm.

Background: a pattern of reduced hours on public holidays

Bank holiday schedule changes are a longstanding practice among UK supermarkets. The two May holidays follow the Easter weekend, which also saw altered opening times. The pattern reflects both lower demand on public holidays and the need to give retail staff time off. For consumers, the key challenge is planning ahead. While smaller stores offer some continuity, the reduced hours of main supermarkets can disrupt shopping routines, especially for those hosting gatherings or travelling.

Outlook: shoppers urged to plan ahead

With the Early May bank holiday already upon shoppers, those who have not yet stocked up should check their local store's specific timings. The spring bank holiday on 25 May will follow the same pattern, with similar reduced hours. Retailers have not indicated any permanent shift in bank holiday policies. For now, the twice-yearly adjustment remains a fixture of the May calendar, a small but notable disruption for millions of households.

The bottom line

• The UK has two May bank holidays on 4 May and 25 May, both Mondays.
• Most major supermarkets operate reduced hours on these days, typically 8am–8pm or 8am–6pm.
• Convenience stores like Tesco Express, Sainsbury's Local, and Asda Express often keep near-normal hours.
• Some stores in Greater London open until 10pm on both bank holidays.
• Shoppers should verify branch-specific times online before heading out.
• M&S stores in travel hubs and garages maintain regular hours, but standard branches close earlier.