My wife and I are going to the UK shortly for 2-3 months on international home exchange arrangements. Haven't been to the UK for 40 years, have no knowledge of UK telcos etc and would welcome advice on the best way to operate our devices while we are away.

Spark roaming seems pretty expensive for longish term stay. What about getting local SIM cards or a couple of cheap prepaid burners from, say, a supermarket?

I have an iPad Air (SIM version) and an HTC One. She has an iPhone 5. We will have wifi in the two houses we are staying in. Would not need a lot of data away from the houses - e.g. just the ability to find and book accom from the car when we are away for few days. Also need to be able to call each other on mobile.

TIA.