currency exchange . . .

So, I'm going on holiday in less than 2 weeks  and the last time I went for uni to england I basically used my american credit and debit card everywhere, though towards the end I started having a problem using them because some places just said they weren't allowed to swipe them. So, I was wondering what the best thing for me to do is, I'd like to bring a set amount of cash and have my credit/debit card for emergencies. Should I use the bank? currency exchange place at the airport? and if I do use that at the airport, do I have to have cash or does anyone know if these places accept a credit card?

I'm going to refer you to the last post you made on this topic, as I think the response I made then is still valid.  This will get you a chip-and-pin card that you load with a set amount of cash. 

http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=64370.0

Oh, I totally forgot about that post!!! Sorry !!! lol just got a bit excited about my trip haha