dunroving

OK, I've searched the recent threads on this topic and can't find an answer (BTW interesting - back in November we were screaming cos 1 pound = $1.69!).

My bank is crap when it comes to sending money to the UK (i.e., they just don't have a clue how to do it - they're too small).

I've decided to take the plunge and just send money home - the exchange rate isn't going to get any better for those of us sending $ to the UK. I think I'm sending enough to get the wholesale rate. Two questions:

Can I just walk into a major bank and transfer money to the UK? If so, what would I have to give them - cash? A cashier's check?

XE.com - would someone who has used them please post a step-by-step description of what I would have to do (e.g., how do I get money to them to transfer - wire it to their account, and then they wire it to my UK account? Is it all done via email, or phone? etc.)

Been saving money for 3 years to put money down and buy a house in the UK - kicking myself I didn't send money home last year! Dagnabbit!