Charity shop opening hours
Most UK charity shops open Monday to Saturday 9am–5pm and many open Sundays 10am–4pm. Here's what to expect — by day, by chain, and across Bank Holidays.
Hours are typical across major chains. Individual branches may vary — always check the chain's store finder or Google Maps listing before travelling.
Opening hours by charity chain
| Chain | Typical hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oxfam | Mon–Sat 9am–5pm · Sun 10am–4pm (hours vary by branch) | Hours vary by branch |
| British Heart Foundation | Mon–Sat 9am–5:30pm · Sun 10am–4pm (hours vary by branch) | Hours vary by branch |
| Cancer Research UK | Mon–Sat 9am–5pm · Sun 10am–4pm (hours vary by branch) | Hours vary by branch |
| Barnardo's | Mon–Sat 9am–5pm · Sun 10am–4pm (hours vary by branch) | Hours vary by branch |
| Sue Ryder | Mon–Sat 9am–5pm · Sun 10am–4pm (hours vary by branch) | Hours vary by branch |
| Age UK | Mon–Sat 9am–5pm · Sun 10am–4pm (hours vary by branch) | Hours vary by branch |
| Scope | Mon–Sat 9am–5pm · Sun 10am–4pm (hours vary by branch) | Hours vary by branch |
| Mind | Mon–Sat 9am–5pm · Sun varies (hours set by local Mind organisations) | Hours vary by branch |
| Salvation Army | Mon–Sat 9am–5pm · Sun closed or reduced (Family Stores vary by location) | Hours vary by branch |
| Shelter | Mon–Sat 9am–5pm · Sun 10am–4pm (hours vary by branch) | Hours vary by branch |
| YMCA | Mon–Sat 9am–5pm · Sun varies (hours set by local YMCA organisations) | Hours vary by branch |
| Samaritans | Mon–Sat 9am–5pm · Sun varies (hours set by local Samaritans branches) | Hours vary by branch |
| British Red Cross | Mon–Sat 9am–5pm · Sun 10am–4pm (hours vary by branch) | Hours vary by branch |
| RSPCA | Mon–Sat 9am–5pm · Sun 10am–4pm (hours vary by branch) | Hours vary by branch |
| PDSA | Mon–Sat 9am–5pm · Sun 10am–4pm (hours vary by branch) | Hours vary by branch |
| Cats Protection | Mon–Sat 9am–5pm · Sun 10am–4pm (hours vary by branch) | Hours vary by branch |
Are charity shops open on Bank Holidays?
Are charity shops open on Sundays?
Many charity shops are open on Sundays, but not all — it depends heavily on the chain, the location, and whether a volunteer team is available to staff the shop that day.
City-centre shops belonging to major chains (Oxfam, BHF, Cancer Research UK, Barnardo's) are more likely to open on Sundays. Smaller branches, shops in quieter towns, or volunteer-run shops affiliated with local charities are more likely to be closed.
Sunday hours are typically shorter than weekday hours: most shops that open on Sundays trade from 10am–4pm or 11am–3pm.
Best practice: Check the chain's store finder or the shop's Google Maps listing before making a special trip on a Sunday. Most listings will show Sunday hours or mark the day as "closed".
The most reliable real-time source for individual shop hours, including Sunday trading and Bank Holiday closures.
Donations surge over the weekend — Monday and Tuesday are when new stock hits the floor.
For a dedicated visit, a quick call to the shop takes 30 seconds and confirms hours immediately.
Arrive mid-morning on a weekday — shops are less busy and volunteers have time to process your donation properly.
Opening hours — common questions
What time do charity shops open?
Most UK charity shops open at 9am on weekdays and Saturdays. Some open slightly later, at 9:30am or 10am. Opening times are typically displayed in the shop window and on the chain's online store finder.
Are charity shops open on Sundays?
Many charity shops are open on Sundays, typically from 10am to 4pm. Not all branches open on Sundays — this varies by location and volunteer availability. Check the specific shop's website or Google listing before travelling.
Are charity shops open on Bank Holidays?
Most charity shops close on Bank Holidays including Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, and the May and August Bank Holidays. Some may open with reduced hours. Always check in advance during holiday periods.
What day is best to visit a charity shop for new stock?
Monday and Tuesday are generally the best days to find new stock. Donations tend to surge over the weekend, and shops typically process and put out new items early in the following week. Arriving early in the week maximises your chance of first pick at new arrivals.