I'd wait till I got to the U.K. before buying a rod; their rods are far superior to any thing you will buy here, look at Century and Zipplex. I have used a D.C. for the past 18 months, fantastic reel but youll need something more specialised for for the great distances required over there ie. the small Abu's, penn 525 super mag extra. Just my 2 bobs worth.
Cheers.