If you’re planning a trip to the newly relocated Dunelm store in Preston, you’re not alone. With the rise in home improvement trends across the UK, more people than ever are looking for reliable, local places to shop for home essentials. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular, knowing the exact Dunelm Preston opening times and what to expect inside the store can help you make the most of your visit.
To bring you accurate and first-hand insights, our team member Justin recently visited the Dunelm Preston location at The Capitol Centre and reported back on everything, from the store layout to opening hours and the general in-store experience.
“There’s a calm and welcoming energy to this Dunelm, even on busy days. The layout is practical, the lighting is soft but effective, and the staff were genuinely helpful. It’s not just about shopping; it’s about finding inspiration for your home in a space that feels good to walk around,” Justin said.
So, what are the current opening times? Dunelm Preston opens from 9:00 AM most days, closes at 8:00 PM on weekdays, and adjusts its schedule on weekends and holidays.
Where exactly is Dunelm Preston located?
Dunelm Preston is now situated within the busy retail zone of The Capitol Centre Retail Park in Walton-le-Dale, a popular area for both locals and commuters. The exact address is: The Capitol Centre, Capitol Way, Walton-le-Dale, Preston PR5 4AN
This location is ideal for those combining shopping trips, as it is surrounded by a mix of homeware, lifestyle, and food stores. The Capitol Centre has long been recognised as a retail destination, and Dunelm’s move here strengthens its position in Preston’s expanding retail landscape.
Reaching the store is straightforward. It’s accessible by public transport via local bus routes, and drivers benefit from plentiful free parking, including disabled spaces. You can also get precise directions using the official Dunelm Store Locator.
What are the updated Dunelm Preston opening times?
In line with broader retail trends, Dunelm Preston has adjusted its hours to cater to both early and late shoppers. These are the current verified hours as of January 2026:
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time |
| Monday | 9:00 AM | 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM | 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM | 8:00 PM |
| Thursday (New Year’s Day) | 9:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM | 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM | 7:00 PM |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
As reported by Retail Gazette, retailers are increasingly flexible around holidays and weekends to meet consumer demand. Dunelm is no exception, often tailoring hours around bank holidays and seasonal shopping peaks. It’s recommended to double-check these via the official store page before planning a trip during those periods.
What can you expect when visiting Dunelm Preston?
Dunelm’s Capitol Centre store offers more than just shelves of homeware, it delivers an organised and thoughtfully curated experience. The store layout reflects current retail design trends seen across the UK, focusing on intuitive product flow and immersive spaces.
As you enter, you’ll find a mix of large furniture displays alongside seasonal collections. Bedding and soft furnishings are placed centrally, making them easy to access and browse. Lighting, kitchenware, and bathroom items are clearly segmented by use and style, making it ideal for both quick purchases and longer inspiration-focused visits.
According to House Beautiful UK, shoppers are increasingly looking for homeware stores that offer both function and inspiration. Dunelm has responded well, offering dedicated zones for trending colour schemes, space-saving furniture, and multi-use décor.
Justin, who visited just before the New Year rush, described the store as:
“One of the most accessible and pleasant Dunelm branches I’ve seen – clean, well-stocked, and with team members who know the layout and the stock inside out.”
What’s the best time to visit Dunelm Preston?
Foot traffic at Dunelm Preston typically follows predictable patterns based on the day of the week. If you prefer a quiet, stress-free experience, there are certain times that are ideal.
Weekday mornings, particularly between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, are calm and perfect for uninterrupted browsing. Many shoppers at this time are either older adults or parents with young children, so the environment tends to be quieter.
Late evenings on weekdays, especially after 6:30 PM, also offer a more relaxed experience, with less pressure at checkout and more time to explore larger furniture items or detailed displays.
Conversely, Saturday afternoons are the busiest. This reflects nationwide retail trends, as indicated by Statista UK, where weekends account for over 40% of in-store footfall during peak shopping seasons.
Planning your visit during quieter hours will give you the best chance to interact with staff, ask questions, and move through the store at your own pace.
How can you contact Dunelm Preston for questions or support?
If you have a specific enquiry, whether it’s about product availability, click-and-collect services, or returns policies – contacting the store directly is often the best option.
Here are the key details:
- Phone: 01772 888801
- Address: The Capitol Centre, Capitol Way, Walton-le-Dale, Preston PR5 4AN
- Store Locator: https://www.dunelm.com/stores
You can also check live stock availability on the website by searching for a product and entering your postcode. This function has become a vital feature for many large retailers, as confirmed in a recent report by Retail Week, which highlighted how online and in-store integration has become crucial to customer satisfaction.
Are there holiday or seasonal changes to opening hours?
Yes, and they can vary significantly. While New Year’s Day follows a shortened schedule of 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, other holidays such as Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and Easter Sunday usually see the store closed entirely. Opening times may also be reduced on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
As seasonal demand spikes, particularly around Black Friday, January sales, and Easter promotions, Dunelm often updates its schedule to accommodate extra footfall. The best way to stay informed is by keeping an eye on their official website or subscribing to the Dunelm newsletter, which often includes advance notice of changes.
Final thoughts – when should you plan your visit?
Dunelm Preston’s new location at The Capitol Centre isn’t just convenient, it reflects the retailer’s commitment to creating a modern, engaging, and helpful in-store experience. With ample parking, well-thought-out departments, and flexible opening hours, it’s become a key destination for shoppers in and around the city.
For those seeking a smoother trip, weekday mornings remain the best time to go. If you’re shopping during the festive season or on bank holidays, a quick check of the official site or a call to the store can save time and ensure everything you need is available.
As Justin shared after his visit:
“It’s the kind of place you don’t just go to for the essentials, you go for ideas, calm browsing, and a bit of inspiration for making your space feel more like home.”
Whether you’re doing a full home makeover or just need a new set of mugs, Dunelm Preston’s up-to-date opening hours and excellent customer service make it a dependable stop on your shopping journey.
What do people frequently ask about Dunelm Preston?
Is Dunelm Preston open on Sundays?
Yes, it is. The store opens at 11:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM on Sundays.
Can I visit on New Year’s Day?
You can. Dunelm Preston opens at 9:00 AM and closes at 6:00 PM on New Year’s Day.
Is there parking available at this location?
Yes, there is ample free parking available at The Capitol Centre, including spaces for disabled visitors and parent-and-child parking bays.
Can I reserve items online and collect them from Dunelm Preston?
Yes, Dunelm’s click-and-collect service is fully operational at the Preston store. You can check stock online and collect it at your convenience.
Is Dunelm Preston wheelchair-friendly?
Absolutely. The store is designed with step-free access, wide aisles, and accessible toilets, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
Are pets allowed inside the store?
Only assistance dogs are permitted inside Dunelm Preston for health and safety reasons.
What’s the quietest time to shop?
Weekday mornings, especially between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, tend to be the least busy.
