No, not all post offices are closed on Sundays, although most traditional branches are. I’m Hannah, and in reporting on how postal services now operate across the country, it’s clear that Sunday access varies widely depending on the type of post office service, location and available alternatives.
While many standard Post Office counters remain shut on Sundays, a growing network of retail partners, Royal Mail Shops, parcel lockers and other service points offer ways to send, collect and return items seven days a week.
As many customers and I have experienced, “Sunday feels less like a postal dead end than it once did, thanks to alternative service points, but you still need to check before you visit.” This capture of customers’ views highlights both progress and the ongoing limitations in weekend postal access.
Are Traditional Post Office Branches Closed on Sunday?
For decades, local post offices followed typical retail rhythms, open Monday to Saturday and closed on Sundays. Today, this remains true for the majority of traditional Post Office branches across towns, villages and suburbs, where counter services such as manual parcel processing, bill payments and savings services remain tied to weekday and Saturday schedules.
Although Sunday closures at these branches may feel restrictive, they are grounded in longstanding service models and staffing practices. Many of these branches are stand‑alone locations without the extended trading hours that larger retail environments can support.
Where Can You Find Postal Services Open on Sunday?
Despite traditional closures, many customers no longer find Sunday to be a postal standstill. Over recent years, postal service delivery has evolved to integrate with retail partners such as supermarkets, WHSmiths and petrol station outlets.
In these shared spaces, Post Office Counters commonly operate within the broader business’s opening hours, allowing Sunday access where the host store stays open.
In addition to retail partners, Royal Mail Shops and ParcelShops have emerged as vital components of the UK postal ecosystem. Unlike classical branches, these dedicated parcel‑focused outlets generally operate seven days a week, often from early morning until late evening.
Here, customers can send parcels, collect deliveries left at the shop, return unwanted items, and buy postage. These services mirror the pace of modern life, accommodating weekend and after‑work posting needs far better than before.
To find these locations and confirm Sunday opening hours, use the Royal Mail Find Services Near You tool, which allows postcode searches for Post Office branches, parcel lockers, postboxes and ParcelShops throughout the UK:
https://www.royalmail.com/find-services-near-you
What Services Are Available When Traditional Branches Are Closed?
Even when standard post office counters are closed on Sunday, whether in a village or city centre, customers still enjoy several alternatives that allow them to post or return items without waiting until Monday.
One significant development is the expansion of parcel drop‑off and return services, designed to fit around everyday life rather than rigid opening hours.
For example, the in‑branch Parcel Drop‑Off Service allows pre‑paid parcels to be deposited without queuing for counter assistance. With services such as Drop & Go, a streamlined drop‑off option, registered users can save time and efficiently manage frequent parcel posting.
These flexible services reflect postal operators’ understanding that life is busy, and not everyone can visit a post office during conventional opening hours.
Alongside these in‑branch innovations, digital tools now play an essential role. Many customers prepare their postage online before visiting a service point.
Whether comparing delivery options from carriers like DPD and Evri and paying for postage online, or using apps to manage returns and delivery confirmations, the postal experience now extends well beyond the physical post office.
For ease of reference, here are key ways to prepare and drop off parcels:
| Service Type | What You Can Do | Where to Access It |
| Parcel Drop‑Off | Leave pre‑paid parcels without full counter service | Participating Post Office branches |
| ParcelReturn Services | Return unwanted items from online purchases | Participating outlets across UK |
| Digital Postage | Pay and print postage online before drop‑off | Online platforms and apps |
| Courier Partnerships | Use services from carriers like Evri or DPD | Participating branches and ParcelShops |
One of the most useful innovations is the introduction of parcel lockers and parcel postboxes, which operate around the clock. Parcel lockers are secure, user‑friendly units where customers can drop off parcels 24/7 and return items at times that suit them.
Parcel postboxes, distinct from traditional letter boxes, allow the posting of pre‑labelled parcels at any hour, every day of the week.
To locate parcel lockers across the UK, see: https://www.royalmail.com/sending/parcel-lockers
For parcel postbox locations: https://www.royalmail.com/sending/postboxes
What Are Royal Mail Shops and ParcelShops?
For customers seeking consolidated parcel services, Royal Mail Shops and associated ParcelShops are among the most convenient options. These outlets focus on sending, returning and collecting parcels, and are typically open seven days a week.
They are ideal for users who need extended hours, evening access, or weekend service that traditional post office counters cannot offer.
At a Royal Mail Shop, customers can access a broad range of services that closely resemble traditional postal functions, such as buying stamps, having labels printed in‑store, or arranging tracked deliveries, but with the benefit of a more flexible schedule.
Using the Services Near You tool, it’s possible to identify Royal Mail Shops that match your needs by opening times and location:
https://www.royalmail.com/services-near-you
Can Postal Tasks Be Done Online on Sundays?
Yes. For many users, the postal experience begins not at a counter but online. Services such as Royal Mail Online Postage enable customers to buy and print postage, arrange collections, and compare delivery services without ever entering a physical branch.
These digital options mean that even on a Sunday when a nearby post office is closed, essential mailing tasks can still be completed efficiently.
Online postage platforms such as https://send.royalmail.com provide a comprehensive way to prepare shipments on your own schedule, ready for drop‑off at a compatible service point.
What Should Customers Do Before Visiting a Post Office on Sunday?
Given the variability in opening times, especially on Sundays, customers are advised to plan ahead. The best approach includes:
- Checking opening hours for your local Post Office, Royal Mail Shop, parcel locker or ParcelShop using the Find Services Near You browser tool.
- Preparing postage online, where possible, to reduce in‑branch time and ensure you can use self‑service options.
- Exploring parcel lockers or drop‑off points if a traditional counter is closed.
This forward planning helps avoid disappointment, particularly when working around deadlines or arranging last‑minute parcel postings.
Conclusion
While most standard Post Office branches remain closed on Sundays in the UK, the landscape of postal services has shifted significantly. With extended retail partnerships, a network of Royal Mail Shops and ParcelShops, and digital tools that cater to modern lifestyles, Sunday is no longer a total barrier to postal activity.
Customers who take advantage of the available alternatives and who check specific opening times in advance will find that posting and collecting parcels is feasible even on the weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all Post Office branches closed on Sundays in the UK?
No, many traditional branches are closed, but some inside retail stores or Royal Mail Shops remain open.
Can I post a parcel on Sunday in the UK?
Yes, if you use a Royal Mail Shop, ParcelShop, or parcel locker that operates seven days a week.
Where can I return an online order on a Sunday?
You can return parcels at participating Post Offices, Royal Mail Shops, or parcel lockers open on Sundays.
Are parcel lockers available 24/7?
Yes, Royal Mail parcel lockers are open 24/7 for both sending and returning parcels.
Is the Post Office open on bank holidays?
Most Post Offices are closed on bank holidays, similar to Sundays, though exceptions may exist.
How do I find Sunday opening hours for my local Post Office?
Use the Royal Mail’s Find Services Near You tool to check local branch times.
Can I buy postage online and drop it off on Sunday?
Yes, you can buy postage via Royal Mail Online Postage and drop items at an open location.
{
“@context”: “https://schema.org”,
“@type”: “BlogPosting”,
“mainEntityOfPage”: {
“@type”: “WebPage”,
“@id”: “https://www.prestonblog.co.uk/are-all-post-offices-closed-on-sunday/”
},
“headline”: “Are All Post Offices Closed on Sunday?”,
“description”: “Not all post offices are closed on Sundays. While most traditional branches shut, Royal Mail Shops, retail partner counters, parcel lockers and online services offer Sunday postal options across the UK.”,
“image”: “https://www.prestonblog.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Author-checking-Post-Office-Sunday-hours-online-on-a-laptop-1024×683.webp”,
“author”: {
“@type”: “Person”,
“name”: “Hannah”
},
“publisher”: {
“@type”: “Organization”,
“name”: “Preston Blog”,
“url”: “https://www.prestonblog.co.uk/”,
“logo”: {
“@type”: “ImageObject”,
“url”: “https://www.prestonblog.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Are-all-post-offices-closed-on-sunday.webp”
}
},
“datePublished”: “2026-01-12”,
“dateModified”: “2026-01-12”,
“articleSection”: [
“Postal Services”,
“Royal Mail”,
“Post Office Opening Times”,
“UK Services”
],
“keywords”: [
“Are all post offices closed on Sunday”,
“Post Office Sunday opening”,
“Royal Mail Shops Sunday”,
“Parcel lockers UK”,
“Sunday postal services UK”
],
“wordCount”: 1327,
“inLanguage”: “en-GB”
}
{
“@context”: “https://schema.org”,
“@type”: “NewsArticle”,
“mainEntityOfPage”: {
“@type”: “WebPage”,
“@id”: “https://www.prestonblog.co.uk/are-all-post-offices-closed-on-sunday/”
},
“headline”: “Are All Post Offices Closed on Sunday?”,
“description”: “While most traditional Post Office branches remain closed on Sundays, Royal Mail Shops, retail partner outlets, parcel lockers and online services provide alternative Sunday postal access across the UK.”,
“image”: [
“https://www.prestonblog.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Author-checking-Post-Office-Sunday-hours-online-on-a-laptop-1024×683.webp”,
“https://www.prestonblog.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Author-visiting-a-Royal-Mail-Shop-open-on-Sunday-1024×683.webp”,
“https://www.prestonblog.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Author-using-a-Royal-Mail-parcel-locker-on-Sunday-1024×683.webp”
],
“author”: {
“@type”: “Person”,
“name”: “Hannah”
},
“publisher”: {
“@type”: “Organization”,
“name”: “Preston Blog”,
“url”: “https://www.prestonblog.co.uk/”,
“logo”: {
“@type”: “ImageObject”,
“url”: “https://www.prestonblog.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Preston-Blog-Logo.png”
}
},
“datePublished”: “2026-01-12”,
“dateModified”: “2026-01-12”,
“articleSection”: “Postal Services”,
“keywords”: [
“Are all post offices closed on Sunday”,
“Post Office Sunday opening times”,
“Royal Mail Shops Sunday”,
“Parcel lockers UK”,
“Sunday postal services”
],
“wordCount”: 1327,
“inLanguage”: “en-GB”,
“isAccessibleForFree”: true
}
{
“@context”: “https://schema.org”,
“@type”: “FAQPage”,
“mainEntity”: [
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Are all Post Office branches closed on Sundays in the UK?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “No, many traditional Post Office branches are closed on Sundays, but some branches located inside retail stores or Royal Mail Shops remain open.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Can I post a parcel on Sunday in the UK?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Yes, you can post a parcel on Sunday if you use a Royal Mail Shop, ParcelShop, or a parcel locker that operates seven days a week.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Where can I return an online order on a Sunday?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “You can return online orders at participating Post Offices, Royal Mail Shops, or parcel lockers that are open on Sundays.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Are parcel lockers available 24/7?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Yes, Royal Mail parcel lockers are available 24/7 for both sending and returning parcels.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Is the Post Office open on bank holidays?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Most Post Office branches are closed on bank holidays, similar to Sundays, although some exceptions may exist depending on location.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “How do I find Sunday opening hours for my local Post Office?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “You can check Sunday opening hours by using Royal Mail’s Find Services Near You tool and searching by postcode.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Can I buy postage online and drop it off on Sunday?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Yes, you can buy postage online using Royal Mail Online Postage and drop parcels at an open Post Office, Royal Mail Shop, or parcel locker on Sunday.”
}
}
]
}
