Driving in England is VERY different to driving in the USA. It will take 5 hours just to do the trip from Manchester to London, and another 5 hours going back, without the wait in between. Whilst the US aren't charging them 45000 pounds, that is part of the additional costs. Train tickets are hideously expensive here in the UK too so rule that out please. Cheap day return indeed - no such thing. The last time I went to Manchester it cost over 120 pounds for a day return.