August Bank Holiday Monday: What You Need to Know

Why This Day Feels Special

I always feel that the August Bank Holiday Monday brings both excitement and relief. It’s one of those rare long weekends where many people pause, rest, and plan fun activities before autumn arrives. We connect it with family time, short getaways, or simply staying at home to recharge.

When It Happens in 2025

We know this day falls on August 25, 2025. Some sources mistakenly mention August 23, but the correct date is the 25th. It’s the final bank holiday before Christmas, making it an important pause in the year.

How Shops Adjust Their Hours

These holidays don’t have government restrictions like Christmas or Easter, so shops can open if they want. Still, many supermarkets choose to reduce hours, balancing staff breaks with customer needs. That’s why checking ahead of time is always wise.

Aldi’s Timetable

They will open 8am–8pm in England and Wales, which is two hours earlier than normal closing. In Scotland, many Aldi branches will keep their regular 8am–10pm hours.

Lidl Across the UK

They usually open 8am–10pm, but on this day many stores will close earlier at 8pm. Customers are urged to use Lidl’s store locator for exact timings, since hours vary by town.

Tesco Options for Shoppers

• Larger stores in England, Wales, Isle of Man: 8am–6pm.
• Scotland: 8am–8pm.
• Northern Ireland: Likely usual hours, but worth checking.
• Express stores: Regular hours, often 6am or 7am until 10pm or midnight.
• Large Express: 8am–6pm.

Tesco also delivers on this holiday, but slots sell out quickly, so booking in advance is smart.

Sainsbury’s Schedule

Most stores will be open 8am–8pm, closing about two hours earlier than usual. Sainsbury’s Local stores will follow normal hours, typically 7am–10pm or 11pm. Scottish branches will run their regular day from 7am–10pm.

Morrisons Openings

They’ll open between 7am–8am and close around 8pm, though some will run until 10pm. A few locations may shut as early as 5pm, so local checks matter. Petrol stations are set to open half an hour earlier and close half an hour later than the main stores.

Asda’s Flexible Hours

Big stores generally open 8am–10pm, but some reduce hours to 6pm or 8pm. A few superstores remain open 24 hours. Smaller Asda Express shops are typically 24/7 and won’t change. Petrol stations are expected to run as normal too.

Co-op for Convenience

Most outlets will trade their usual 7am–10pm, though regional variations mean some may shorten their hours slightly. Larger stores will stay closer to full hours.

Iceland’s Consistency

They rarely close except on Christmas Day and Easter Sunday. This holiday will see most stores open as usual, but a few might have reduced hours.

Waitrose for Premium Shoppers

These stores often reduce hours, usually 10am–4pm, though Little Waitrose branches may close later. Exact times depend on location.

Marks and Spencer’s Plans

M&S usually shortens hours, often 8:30am–6pm, but as of mid-August 2025, no final confirmation had been given. It’s best to check closer to the day.

What Staff Experience

For thousands of retail workers, the day is just another shift. Many will receive extra pay, sometimes called “holiday pay,” which can ease the sting of missing out on rest. Still, the atmosphere often feels lighter as customers shop in a more relaxed mood.

Best Times to Visit

The Friday and Saturday before the holiday are always busiest. If we want a calmer trip, early mornings before 10am or evenings after 6pm are best. Planning ahead makes the experience less stressful.

Exciting Offers on the Day

• Aldi: Specialbuys include an XXL picnic blanket for £6.99.
• Asda: A Hawaiian-style Tiki Beach parasol for £35, a major saving compared to Debenhams.
• Iceland: Frozen “dupes” of McDonald’s meals, from cheeseburgers in a box to wraps with fries.
• M&S: Their tomato ketchup stands out as a bargain at £1.
• Sainsbury’s: Known for viral deals, including plants for as little as 1p.

These deals add a little emotional lift, giving shoppers something extra to enjoy.

Tools That Help

Many people use comparison sites like Google Shopping, Price Spy, Idealo, and Camel for finding the best value. These tools track price history, so we can feel confident about not overpaying.

Emotional Side of the Day

We often link this holiday with the feeling of summer’s last chapter. It’s a time to breathe, spend time outdoors, or enjoy comfort food before colder days come. Families gather, friends meet, and even solo moments carry a sense of calm.

A Note on Tesco Bank

Since Tesco is also tied to banking, it’s worth noting their background. Tesco Bank started in 1997, went through joint ventures, and by 2024 had transferred many services to Barclays. Now, Barclays runs Tesco-branded products like credit cards, savings, and loans, while Tesco kept insurance, ATMs, and travel money. This partnership means customers enjoy continuity while both brands grow stronger together.

Other Bank Holidays Coming Up

We can also look ahead:

• St Andrew’s Day: December 1, 2025 (Scotland only).
• Christmas: December 25, 2025.
• Boxing Day: December 26, 2025.
• In 2026, England and Wales will have 8, Scotland 9, and Northern Ireland 10 bank holidays.

Why It Matters for Us

This break isn’t just about shopping or sales. It gives us space to reset. For families, it’s about fun outings. For workers, it’s about balance. For businesses, it’s a chance to serve communities differently while managing staff wellbeing.

Final Thoughts

As we approach August Bank Holiday Monday 2025, the key is planning. Whether we’re visiting Aldi, Tesco, or Asda, checking opening times saves frustration. Shopping smart with deals, avoiding peak hours, and even booking deliveries early can make the holiday smoother.

This day isn’t just about shops it’s about how we feel, rest, and connect. By preparing ahead, we can truly enjoy the last long weekend of summer.

FAQs

References

1. UK Government. Bank Holidays in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. GOV.UK. Retrieved August 2025.
2. Aldi UK. Store Opening Hours and Bank Holiday Information. Aldi.co.uk. Accessed August 2025.
3. Lidl GB. Customer Announcements on Holiday Hours. Lidl.co.uk. Accessed August 2025.
4. Tesco PLC. Tesco Supermarket Opening Times for August Bank Holiday. Tesco.com Newsroom, updated August 21, 2025.
5. Sainsbury’s. Store Locator and Opening Hours. Sainsburys.co.uk. Accessed August 2025.
6. Morrisons. Bank Holiday Opening Times and Petrol Station Updates. Morrisons.com. Accessed August 2025.
7. Asda. Holiday Opening Hours and Store Services. Asda.com. Accessed August 2025.
8. Co-op Food. Regional Opening Times for Bank Holiday. Co-operative.coop. Accessed August 2025.
9. Iceland Foods. Store Hours and Bank Holiday Trading Policy. Iceland.co.uk. Accessed August 2025.
10. Waitrose & Partners. Bank Holiday Store Opening Information. Waitrose.com. Accessed August 2025.
11. Marks and Spencer (M&S). Supermarket Opening Times on Bank Holidays. Marksandspencer.com. Accessed August 2025.
12. Which? Consumer Group. UK’s Most Expensive Supermarket Report 2024. Which.co.uk.
13. Tesco Bank. Company History and Barclays Partnership. TescoBank.com. Updated October–November 2024.
14. Barclays PLC. Acquisition of Tesco Bank Products and Services. Barclays.com. February 2024.
15. Price Comparison Tools. Google Shopping, Price Spy, Idealo, CamelCamelCamel. Accessed August 2025.

Disclaimer: Information on opening hours and offers for August Bank Holiday 2025 is based on publicly available updates. Store times may vary by location. Always check your local branch or official website before visiting.

About the Author:

Chang Russell is a retail trends analyst and consumer lifestyle writer with years of experience covering UK shopping habits. He offers expert insights on how supermarket hours, deals, and seasonal changes impact everyday shoppers.