UK Clocks Go Back on 25 October 2026: What to Check

PS Public Services Desk 2026-10-22 09:58 2 min read

British Summer Time ends at 2:00 am on Sunday 25 October 2026, when clocks across the UK go back one hour to 1:00 am GMT. Check alarms, heating schedules and timed lights before bed on Saturday, and verify travel plans with your operator if you are travelling overnight or early on Sunday.

When UK clocks change in October 2026

The clocks go back on the last Sunday in October. In 2026, that is 25 October: the hour from 1:00 am to 2:00 am occurs twice as local time returns to Greenwich Mean Time. The change applies across the United Kingdom.

The shift gives you an extra hour by the clock, but schedules that depend on a manually set time may need attention. GOV.UK lists the dates for the seasonal clock changes.

Check alarms, heating and timed lights

Before you go to bed on Saturday 24 October:

• Check that your phone, computer and connected alarm clock are set to update the time automatically. If you rely on a separate alarm, confirm its displayed time after the change.
• Review heating timers and thermostats. Check whether they use the device’s clock or an app-connected schedule, and confirm the first Sunday heating period starts when you expect.
• Check analogue clocks and any appliance or plug timers that do not update automatically. Adjust them after the clocks change if needed.
• If you use timed lights, review their schedules so they switch on at the intended local time.

A device may update automatically while a separate timer in the same room does not, so check each one individually.

Check early and overnight travel plans

If a train, coach, flight or other service is scheduled around the clock change, check the operator’s latest journey information before travelling. Services may handle the repeated hour differently, and not every route or service will use the same timetable.

For an early Sunday departure, confirm the departure time and date on your booking, check for service updates, and allow time to reach the station, stop or airport. If you are travelling overnight, look for operator guidance about services that run through the change from BST to GMT.

The next useful check is your operator’s journey page or app before you leave; use the local time shown for your service and follow any specific overnight travel instructions.

Source: GOV.UK

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Source check Time change information

GOV.UK says clocks go back on the last Sunday in October; in 2026, the change is on 25 October.

Checks

• Confirm devices update automatically
• Check manual clocks and appliance timers
• Check operator journey information for overnight services

Source

• GOV.UK

GOV.UK Check UK clock change dates

Source

GOV.UK

Scope

United Kingdom

Updated

2026-10-22 09:58

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