On the summer bank holiday, Monday 31 August 2026, most large supermarkets in England and Wales trade reduced hours of around 8am to 8pm, with Tesco superstores closing at 6pm and Morrisons opening from 7am. Stores in Scotland and Northern Ireland keep normal hours, because the Scottish summer bank holiday falls in early August.
TL;DR · LAST REVIEWED 31 AUGUST 2026
- Monday 31 August 2026 is the summer bank holiday in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Most large stores in England and Wales open around 8am to 8pm; Tesco superstores to 6pm.
- Scotland trades normal hours; its summer bank holiday was in early August.
Bank holiday opening times, Monday 31 August 2026
| Retailer | England and Wales | Scotland and Northern Ireland |
| Aldi | 8am to 8pm | Normal hours |
| Lidl | 8am to 8pm (outside the M25 and in Wales) | Normal (Scotland and inside M25) |
| Tesco superstores | 8am to 6pm | Normal hours |
| Sainsbury's (larger stores) | 8am to 8pm | Normal hours |
| Asda (larger stores) | Mostly usual, many 8am to 8pm | Usual hours |
| Morrisons | 7am to 8pm | Normal (Scotland) |
| Argos | Most 9am to 8pm | Varies by store |
Source: Retailer announcements, August 2026
KEY FACTS
- Monday 31 August 2026 is the summer bank holiday in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (GOV.UK).
- Most large supermarkets in England and Wales open around 8am to 8pm; Tesco superstores close at 6pm.
- Morrisons opens from 7am to 8pm in England and Wales.
- Scottish stores trade normal hours; the Scottish summer bank holiday falls in early August.
- Convenience formats such as Tesco Express, Sainsbury's Local and Co-op mostly keep normal hours.
Which stores cut their hours
The large format stores are the ones that change. In England and Wales, most Aldi, Lidl and larger Sainsbury's stores open 8am to 8pm, Morrisons runs 7am to 8pm, and Tesco superstores and large Express stores open 8am to 6pm. Asda keeps most larger stores close to their usual times, which for many is 8am to 8pm or later. Because individual branches vary, every retailer directs shoppers to its online store finder for a specific address before travelling.
Scotland and Northern Ireland are different
The summer bank holiday on the last Monday of August is a public holiday in England, Wales and Northern Ireland but not in Scotland, whose summer bank holiday falls on the first Monday of August. As a result, supermarkets in Scotland trade their normal hours on 31 August 2026, and Lidl stores inside the M25 also stay open as usual. Northern Ireland stores generally keep normal hours despite the holiday.
Convenience stores and petrol stations
Smaller convenience formats are largely unaffected. Tesco Express, Sainsbury's Local and Co-op convenience stores mostly keep their standard hours, and supermarket petrol stations generally run as normal. For a quieter shop, retailers suggest visiting first thing in the morning or later in the evening, away from the mid morning and early afternoon peak on a bank holiday.
RELATED GUIDES
DISCLAIMER
This article is editorial information, not financial advice. Kael Tripton Ltd is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Figures were correct at the last review date shown above; verify current rates and rules with the primary sources listed below before acting.
Frequently asked questions
What time do supermarkets open on bank holiday Monday
In England and Wales on 31 August 2026 most large supermarkets open around 8am to 8pm, with Tesco superstores at 8am to 6pm and Morrisons from 7am. Scotland and Northern Ireland trade normal hours.
Are shops open on 31 August 2026
Yes. It is a bank holiday but shops open, most large stores on reduced hours. Convenience stores and petrol stations mostly keep normal hours.
Why are Scottish supermarkets open normal hours
The last Monday of August is not a public holiday in Scotland, whose summer bank holiday falls on the first Monday of August, so stores trade as normal on 31 August.
Is Tesco open on bank holiday Monday
Yes. Most Tesco superstores in England and Wales open 8am to 6pm on 31 August 2026, while Express stores and Scottish branches largely keep normal hours.
Should I check my local store
Yes. Opening times vary by branch, so every retailer advises checking its online store finder for a specific address before travelling.
SOURCES
- GOV.UK: UK bank holidays – accessed 31 August 2026
- GOV.UK: dates and public holidays – accessed 31 August 2026
