It is best to arrange your car hire when you book your airline tickets. You should note that, unless you ask for an automatic, you will be given a manual shift by default. In England you will be driving on the left-hand side of the road, therefore, a manual will require you to use your left hand for the gear lever ("shift"). You may prefer to ask for an automatic if you have not done this before. You should also reserve an automatic car in advance as they are not as readily available as manual shift cars