UK Clocks Change 2026: British Summer Time

The history of daylight savings time in the UK

The practice of shifting our clocks has a history stretching back over a century. Proposed seriously by William Willett in the early 1900s and first implemented in 1916 during World War I, the aim was to better use daylight hours and conserve energy. While the specific dates and durations have varied over the years, the core principle of advancing clocks in the spring and setting them back in the autumn has remained a key feature of UK timekeeping.

Why do we still do this?

The debate surrounding daylight savings time continues. Arguments in favour often highlight the benefits of increased evening daylight for leisure activities, potential (though debated) energy savings, and improved road safety. For UEL students, those longer evenings mean more opportunities to enjoy the city after a day of lectures and studying.

However, there are also valid concerns raised about the disruption to our natural sleep patterns, the inconvenience of the change, and whether the energy-saving benefits are still significant in our modern, tech-driven world.

A question from the past: when did Britain not change the clocks?

It's interesting to look back at the history of this practice.  While the UK has consistently changed its clocks since its initial adoption, there have been variations in how this was done. During World War II, the UK implemented British Double Summer Time (BDST), where clocks were two hours ahead of GMT during the summer. This occurred from 1941 to 1945 and again briefly in 1947. 

Between 1968 and 1971 the country also experimented with British Standard Time, which meant keeping British Summer Time all year round. The move was unpopular, particularly further north in England and Scotland where mornings were darker, and Britain returned to shared BST/GMT after three years,

A global perspective: is the UK the only country to put clocks back?

Many countries around the world, particularly in Europe and North America, also implement daylight savings time and will, therefore, also put their clocks back in the autumn. This coordinated approach helps with international travel and communication. However, many countries, especially those closer to the equator, do not observe it.

Looking ahead: When to change time in 2026? 

In 2026, the clocks in the UK will go back by one hour at 2am on Sunday 25 October. This will mark the end of British Summer Time and our return to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), giving us an extra hour of sleep but also bringing darker evenings.

Understanding the Autumn shift: Why do the clocks go back at 2am in the UK?

Looking ahead to the autumn, you might wonder why the clocks go back at 2am. This specific time on a Sunday morning is chosen to minimise disruption. It's a time when most people are asleep, and transport and business activity are at their lowest. It also helps with international coordination of time changes.

The future of time: Is the UK going to stop changing the clocks?

The question of whether the UK will continue to change the clocks in the future remains a topic of discussion. Following Brexit, the UK has the autonomy to set its own rules on daylight savings time. While there have been debates about aligning with potential EU decisions or even adopting permanent summertime, no definitive changes have been made yet. For now, we continue with the familiar biannual adjustments.

Making the most of BST as a UEL student

Now that British Summer Time is here, make the most of those longer evenings! Whether it's extra time for socialising after lectures, enjoying the green spaces around our campuses, or simply having more daylight for your commute home, embrace the change. Just remember that the next adjustment, bringing darker evenings, is on its way in October. Stay informed, enjoy the extra daylight while it lasts, and keep those study schedules on track!

_{Note: This blog was updated in March 2026 to include references to British Standard Time and correct a previous statement that the clocks had changed every year since 1916.}