London Time

Greenwich Mean Time

Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) originated in Greenwich and has become a standard measure of time worldwide.

Since the late 19th century, the Prime Meridian at Greenwich has served as the reference line for Greenwich Mean Time.

The Prime Meridian - The Home of London Time

At London's Royal Observatory, you can stand on the famous Greenwich Meridian Line. The line represents the Prime Meridian of the world – longitude 0 degrees.

Everywhere in the world is measured by its distance east or west of the Greenwich Meridian.

In the evening, the Meridian Line is often marked by a green laser in the sky.

British Summer Time

British Summer Time (or daylight saving) is observed between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October.

The clocks move forward one hour in March, and back one hour in October. The change takes place at 1am.

The phrase "spring forward, fall back" may help you remember how British Summer Time works.

London Transport Times

The London Underground (or Tube) network is closed overnight. Night buses run throughout the night from Central London.

Drivers in the Central London congestion charge zone must pay a fee between 7am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.

For more details on London travel – including buses, trains, London Underground, trams, ferries and the Central London congestion charge – see our getting around London section.

London Shop Opening Times

Core opening hours for London shops are 10am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday. Many shops also open for a reduced number of hours on Sundays.

Shops often stay open later in London's West End and at large shopping centres such as Westfield London.

Some London shopping areas have designated late night shopping evenings, often held on Thursdays or Fridays.

More London shopping information

Time to Eat in London

Lunch is usually served between 12pm and 2pm although, with more than 6,000 restaurants in London, it's possible to eat at any time of day or night!

Afternoon tea is normally served between 2.30pm and 5pm. Some venues offer a more substantial tea later in the afternoon, which is ideal as a pre-theatre meal.

Evening meal times vary, but usual service times range from 6pm to 10pm.

More London restaurant information

London Weather

Check our weather page for the latest London weather forecast and more information about London's climate.