Ok this might seems a bit strange but I assure you I wouldn't ask if I hadn't already looked very hard to no avail.
The question is where in England can you buy standerd playing cards. Now the ones i've been practising with are WH Smiths poker cards. However I don't like theses for variouse reasons, one such being the cards are only marked in two corners which means when I do face up fans in both hands, one side shows all the symbols and the other is practically blank. (Sure it sounds like I'm nit picking but as a lot of what we do is all about presentation I want things to be perfect.) I've tried variouse other news agents and shops and can't seem to find anywhere else that actually sells them. (You might think that sounds strange but go and look for yourself you'll soon see.)

So my question is short of purchasing over the wb (which would be way too much effort for a simple deck of cards) where can I get them?

Most good makes of the cards have index's on opposite corners. This can be an advantage for magicians, for example if you fan the cards to the left you can show the cards blank If you fan the cards to the right you can show your Perfec, wonderful, absolutly fan-dabba-tastic FAN.
All the top brands of cards like USPCC's Tally Ho's, Bee or Bicycle all have opposite index's.
Now Where to get them:
-Penguin-not sure the price, never got them from here
-magicbox.uk.com-Abt £1.99 a pack
-Asda (they now do Bee world poker tour decks)
-Costco-Not sure the price but if you get them in bulk it will turn out alot cheaper.
-Ebay- a range of prices.
IMO If you are wanting the best cards for a good price go for Tally Ho
Hope I Helped
-Team Buzz

yeah that should help me just fine, thanks for replying.

I buy my cards here.

As for your fanning problem, learn to do a one-handed reverse fan (it's taught in a few places), then do that with your left hand.

costco is about 10.36ish for 12. Just got me one of those (cheers splint)
that about 80 a deck(ish)

is magicbox trustworthy? i never purchased from them before..and im afraid of identification fraud..

and suprised yuo ac trust ebay...lol

Well I get the odd thing from Magicbox.uk.com - never had any problems, and I know alot of people who always use it they seem happy with it, I doubt anyone will have any problems with identity fraud, It is a reputable company.
As for ebay I have had no problems with it, I usually buy from ebay shops.
Team Buzz