Current Time in London

British time culture

High punctuality of public transport

British trains and buses are relatively punctual, and the London Underground in particular generally operates to the minute. A delay of more than five minutes is considered a "serious delay".

Punctuality at afternoon tea

Traditional afternoon tea is usually served between 15:00 and 17:00, and many hotels and tea rooms strictly adhere to this time frame.

Strict pub opening hours

Pub opening hours are strictly regulated by law, and closing times at midnight are almost uniform across the country.

British time values

Punctuality is the basis of etiquette

Punctuality is strongly expected in business and official settings, and being late is considered rude. It is considered ideal to arrive five minutes early.

Respect for appointments

Reservations and appointment times are important in this culture, and sudden visits and time changes are not appreciated.

Clear distinction between work and private time

There is a tendency to clearly separate work time and private time, and it is common to refrain from contact outside of work hours.

Things foreigners should know about time when travelling or relocating to the UK

Short opening hours for banks and government offices

Many banks are only open from 9:30am to 4:30pm on weekdays, and most government offices close by 5pm.

Early closing times on Sundays

Many retail stores close by 6pm on Sundays, and it is not uncommon for stores to close at 4pm in suburban areas.

Switching between summer and winter time

There is a daylight saving time system in which the time is adjusted by one hour every March and October, so you need to be careful when switching over.

Fun facts about British time

Birthplace of Greenwich Mean Time

The Royal Observatory in Greenwich, on the outskirts of London, is the standard for global time (GMT), and 0 degrees longitude passes through it.

Accuracy of Big Ben's chime

Big Ben in the Palace of Westminster is extremely accurate, and is adjusted so that it only deviates by a few seconds a year.

Strict time management of royal events

Royal ceremonies, such as the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, have been held at the same time for decades, within a minute of each other.