Paypal is good, but they limit the amounts and the transfer time can take up to three weeks. I believe the transfer amount in their free account is £250.00 a month.
Other than expensive wire transfers, there is one other option which I use, but it takes some assistance.
American Express Travellers Cheque Card - How?
I opened an account in my name in the UK and mailed the card to my mom in Texas.
When I want to easily transfer money, I simply go to the American Express Travellers Cheque website, sign in and add funds to my card account. Two hours later, I instruct mom to go to the ATM, withdraw up to $450.00 (Max per day), then drive over to the teller and make a deposit. Easy, quick, and the cost is 0.06 cents on the dollar for the currency charge.
If I need more in the US bank account, I transfer more over and mom may have to make a second ATM visit the next day.
When I go home on vacation, I transfer funds, pick up the card from mom and avoid all the UK transaction and currency fees.
Hope this helps - It's working for me.