It’s not just laziness. Postal workers are unionized and have fought hard for these collective days off, and the operational costs of opening a branch for a handful of customers just don’t add up. Your local post office is almost certainly operating on a “no, sorry, we’re closed” policy for every official bank holiday. This includes the big ones like Good Friday, but also the quirky, regional ones like the August Bank Holiday in the UK.
But here’s the sneaky exception: some post offices that operate within convenience stores or supermarkets might keep their retail counters open. These are often franchised, meaning the owner can choose to stay open if their store is running. However, even then, the full postal service—like collecting parcel returns or special delivery—is usually unavailable. It’s a half-open door, and you should always check online before you walk over.
The rule of thumb? If the banks are closed, the post office is almost certainly closed too. The only real outlier is Black Friday or a major shopping weekend, when some counters might offer limited hours for prepaid parcel drop-offs, but that’s rare. Don’t bet your weekend plans on it.
Practical Tips for a Bank Holiday (That Won’t Go to Waste)
First, never assume your local branch will be open just because it’s “part of a shop.” Use the official website or app to check the specific opening hours for your location. Most postal services publish a “bank holiday service schedule” at least two weeks in advance.
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Second, embrace the digital alternative. If you need to send a parcel, book a collection online for the next working day. Royal Mail, USPS, and Canada Post all offer free pick-up services if you schedule them in advance. Your postman or woman is still working, even if the counter isn’t.
Third, know the last posting times. If you absolutely must get something in the mail before the holiday, aim to drop it off by the day before. Many post offices close early on the eve of a bank holiday, so a 5 PM cutoff is often actually a 12 PM cutoff. Set a reminder on your phone.
And a fun little fact for your next pub quiz: the term “bank holiday” was officially coined in the UK in 1871 by Sir John Lubbock, who was so passionate about cricket that he wanted everyone to have time off to watch the village matches. He literally invented a national day off for cricket. Next time you’re stuck with a letter to post, remember you’re fighting against a centuries-old love of the game.
