UK Clocks Went Back: Adjust Your Commute and Sleep Routine

Opinion & Guides Desk 2026-10-27 10:39 Updated: 10:52 4 min read

Long exposure light trails of traffic passing through Tower Bridge in London at night.

The UK moved from British Summer Time (BST) to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) on Sunday 25 October 2026, so clocks went back by one hour. The change applies across the UK; in the days after it, check any clocks that did not update and allow for darker evenings when planning a journey or walk. Your routine may need little or no adjustment, depending on your work and travel times.

The UK’s autumn clock change was on 25 October

The UK Government lists the autumn clock change as the move from BST to GMT. When clocks go back, 2am becomes 1am, giving that night an extra hour by the clock. The date has passed, so this is a practical guide for anyone catching up or checking whether their devices and routines are set correctly.

GMT is the UK’s standard time during winter. BST is one hour ahead and is used during the lighter months. The change affects the displayed local time nationwide, but its practical effect differs: someone who starts work early may notice brighter mornings, while a person travelling home late may find it gets dark earlier by the clock.

Check clocks and devices that may not update

Many internet-connected phones, computers and smart devices adjust automatically when their time-zone settings are correct. It is still worth checking the displayed time, especially if a device was switched off, has incorrect settings or does not have a reliable connection.

Some clocks and appliances may need to be changed by hand. Check items you rely on for appointments, travel or household routines, such as:

UK Clocks Went Back: Adjust Your Commute and Sleep Routine

Wall clocks, watches and clocks in cars.
Ovens, microwaves and other appliances with a displayed time.
Timers, alarm clocks and devices that are not connected to the internet.

For a phone or computer that shows the wrong time, check that automatic date, time and time-zone settings are enabled. If you adjust an appliance manually, confirm whether its display uses a 12-hour or 24-hour format so you do not set the wrong time.

Allow for darker evenings on your journey

The clock change shifts the evening light by an hour on the clock. If you usually commute, cycle or walk at the end of the working day, check how your route looks at the new time and give yourself room to adapt. A familiar journey can feel different when daylight fades earlier.

Before setting out, check your usual travel information for service changes or delays; the clock change itself does not tell you whether a particular train, bus or road is affected. If you walk or cycle, make sure you can see and be seen in low light, and take extra care at crossings and junctions. The exact conditions vary by route, weather and time of travel.

Adjust your routine at a pace that suits you

The change gives the clock an extra hour overnight, but people’s schedules differ. You may find your usual wake-up or meal time feels different for a few days. Keep your planned commitments in mind and use the displayed local time when arranging appointments or travel.

If you use alarms, check that they are set to the correct local time after the change. It can also help to review recurring calendar entries and household timers, particularly if they are on devices that do not update automatically. You do not need to change every part of your routine: focus on the times that matter to your day.

Make a quick post-change check

A short check can catch the most common sources of confusion:

Confirm the time on your phone and another trusted device.
Compare clocks you use for alarms, appointments and travel.
Review recurring alarms, calendar entries and appliance timers.
Consider whether your commute or walk now takes place in lower light.

For the official UK clock-change dates, consult the UK Government’s when the clocks change page. For day-to-day travel, check the operator or journey information relevant to your route. The clock change is nationwide, but the useful next step depends on which devices you rely on and when you travel.

Source: UK Government

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The UK Government lists the autumn change from BST to GMT; device and travel effects vary by individual routine and route.

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