It was a crisp Saturday morning in Preston when my colleague Justin and I decided to take a stroll around our neighbourhood. As usual, our conversation drifted to the quirks of everyday life this time, about whether Royal Mail still delivered letters and parcels on Saturdays. We spotted a familiar red Royal Mail van just outside a corner shop in Plungington and decided to ask the postie directly.
“Do you still deliver on Saturdays?” I asked, trying to keep pace as he carried his bundle.
He grinned and nodded:
“Oh aye, Saturdays are still part of the job, letters, parcels, the lot. We aim to finish by about half four, but some days stretch longer, especially with tracked parcels.”
And just like that, our question had an answer from the source himself. But there’s more to Saturday delivery than just a simple yes.
Does Royal Mail Deliver All Types of Mail on Saturdays?
The short answer, as our friendly postie confirmed, is yes. Royal Mail does deliver a wide range of mail types on Saturdays. Standard 1st Class and 2nd Class letters, tracked parcels, and premium guaranteed services are all included in Saturday rounds.
When we asked whether things had changed lately, he replied:
“Some places are seeing tweaks with second-class letters; they’re trying out different schedules. But most of what folks expect on a Saturday still arrives.”
Royal Mail has been rolling out updates across the UK, meaning that while most deliveries happen as usual, some areas may see 2nd Class letters moved to alternate weekdays. However, tracked services and 1st Class mail are not currently affected by this change.
What Time Can You Expect Saturday Deliveries to Arrive?
We followed the same postie down a couple more streets, chatting as he worked. I asked if he notices a difference in delivery times between weekdays and weekends.
“Depends where you are, really,” he said:
“Round here in Preston, I usually wrap up by mid-afternoon. But if we’re covering someone’s route or there’s a mountain of parcels, we could be out ‘til near five.”
Officially, Royal Mail aims to deliver by 4:30 pm on Saturdays. In most urban zones like Preston city centre, deliveries often finish earlier, especially if the volume is light. In contrast, rural areas may experience later delivery due to longer routes and more dispersed addresses.
Are There Any Exceptions to Saturday Deliveries?
The postie stopped for a quick sip of his thermos and explained:
“We don’t deliver on bank holidays, and if the weather’s really bad, like back in the storms last year, we get held up or delayed. But otherwise, Saturdays are business as usual.”
Royal Mail’s Saturday service does have a few caveats. No deliveries are made on public holidays that fall on a Saturday. Severe weather snow, floods, or even heatwaves, can cause delays. And as mentioned earlier, changes to Second Class delivery schedules may result in variations by postcode.
You can always check Royal Mail’s website for live service updates to stay informed about your specific area.
Is Saturday Delivery Included in Standard Pricing?
Justin was curious about the cost, so he asked:
“Do people need to pay more for getting their stuff on a Saturday?”
The postie shook his head,
“Nah, not for regular stuff. First and second class? All in. You only pay more if you want it guaranteed by a certain time, like 1 o’clock sharp.”
He was referring to Special Delivery Guaranteed, which does come with an extra charge, especially if you need a specific delivery window on Saturday. Otherwise, Royal Mail includes Saturday delivery for standard services in the regular price, no premium required for most mail and parcels.
Here’s a breakdown for clarity:
| Service Type | Saturday Delivery? | Extra Cost? | Delivery Time |
| 1st Class Letters | Yes | No | By 16:30 |
| 2nd Class Letters | Yes (may vary by area) | No | By 16:30 |
| Tracked 24/48 Parcels | Yes | No | Varies (trackable) |
| Special Delivery Guaranteed | Yes (by 13:00) | Yes | Guaranteed by 13:00 |
How Can You Know if Royal Mail Will Deliver on a Specific Saturday?
Royal Mail has a postcode-based service checker tool that helps customers determine if their area is affected by delivery delays or service changes. We asked our postie if many people used it.
“Some do, but most just ask me on the street, to be honest. If I’ve not shown up by four, someone’s usually peeking out the window or asking their neighbour.”
Still, if you’re expecting something time-sensitive, it’s worth checking the Royal Mail service update page or your tracking link. Especially during strike actions, holiday periods, or adverse weather, these updates are useful.
What Should You Do If Your Mail Doesn’t Arrive on Saturday?
If you don’t receive your expected mail on Saturday, don’t panic; most delays are temporary. For tracked parcels, Royal Mail’s system usually explains the reason for the delay and provides an updated estimated delivery time. For items requiring a signature, a “Something for you” card will be left, letting you know how and when to collect or rearrange delivery.
Our postie added:
“If I can’t get it through the letterbox or it needs signing, I leave a card. Saturdays, you’ve still got time to pick it up same morning if the office is open.”
Most Preston delivery offices are open on Saturday mornings until midday. It’s best to go early if you plan to collect something the same day.
Can You Still Rely on Royal Mail’s Saturday Service in 2026?
The overall impression we got from both our own observations and from talking to delivery staff was that Saturday remains a reliable delivery day.
While Royal Mail is adapting its operations, especially with ongoing discussions around letter volumes and digital transformation, core services like 1st Class and tracked parcels are unlikely to be dropped from weekend rounds anytime soon.
That said, as the postie told us:
“Things change, right? Always good to check the website or ask at the depot. But if it’s Saturday and the van’s out, we’re working.”
So yes, you can still count on Saturday delivery, just keep an eye on your tracking and check for updates if you’re waiting on something important.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Royal Mail Deliver on Sundays?
No, standard services do not operate on Sundays, though a few premium tracked parcels may be delivered in select areas.
Are Post Offices in Preston Open on Saturdays?
Yes, most are open until early afternoon. Check your local branch for exact hours.
What Time Do Deliveries Finish on Saturdays?
Most aim to finish by 4:30 pm, though some areas see deliveries as late as early evening.
Can You Track a Saturday Parcel Delivery?
Yes, Tracked 24 and 48 services offer real-time updates throughout the weekend.
What Happens If I Miss My Saturday Delivery?
You’ll receive a card with options to collect the item or reschedule delivery.
Is Saturday Delivery Free for All Mail Types?
It’s included for standard services like 1st and 2nd Class. Premium services have additional charges for time-specific deliveries.
What if My Area Doesn’t Receive 2nd Class Mail on Saturdays Anymore?
Royal Mail may shift these to alternate weekdays in some areas. Use their postcode checker to confirm.
