How long is standard UK mainland delivery?

Okay, so you're wondering about standard delivery times in the UK, right? Well, if I were ordering something here, I'd probably be a bit of a cheapskate and consider 2nd class post. But, honestly, waiting almost a week? Torture! Isn't it? First class isn't that much more expensive, and halving the wait sounds amazing, assuming Royal Mail is on its game, of course!

Now, if I really needed something ASAP, I'd begrudgingly shell out for tracked delivery. Getting it by 10:30 am? That's practically wizardry! Although, between 8 am and 10 pm? That's a massive window of time, isn't it? It's like, do they expect me to just sit around all day waiting for the postman? I remember once waiting for a delivery like that and missing it because I nipped out for five minutes. Five minutes! And then had to traipse to the depot the next day. Ugh. So, yeah, fast delivery is great, but those wide time slots can be a real pain. You know what I mean?