I've still got the first 3 air guns I ever owned. A Webley Hawk MkII bought for my 11th birthday, a Crosman 1300 bought me for christmas the same year and a Jackal AR7 bought from the Spotsman in Paignton when on holiday in Torquay one year.
The first airgun I ever bought for my self was a BSA Mercury S in 177 calibre that accounted for rats, rabbits and pigeons by the boat load. The Mercury S, along with a big chunk of my collection was sold to buy furniture for my first house just 8 years ago. If any one has Mercury S 177 serial number WH01266 let me know, I'd like to buy it back.
The South of England has 2 good things, the M1 and the A1. Both will take you to Yorkshire.