I'd say with the way things are right now, you wouldn't lose much by just using cash machine in Europe.
Always found Tesco do a good, if not best rates when we've checked, apart from those that deliver to your door. Pick up at Tesco Stairfoot.
Tesco in store the other day was 1.08 and if you got £500 you got a fivers worth free (effectively another cent in the pound. Got 1.3 to the pound 18 months ago...thanks Brexiteers !
I'd always get currency from ATM's in the country you're heading to. We have a metrobank bank account that has zero commission on the exchange (Europe only) and find that works best. May be getting phased out but if you do research may find other banks do similar.
Sainsbury's better rate if you have necter card. Asda a bit lower but if you pay 3.99 you can change owt you bring back without charge. Which is worth it. I didn't pay it last year when I went to Benidorm with lads, didn't realise how cheap it was and brought a lot back. Cost me a lot more than 3.99 to change it back
You can also get app based travel cards now which offer perfect or near perfect rates and can be used at home or abroad to withdraw or pay on card. Some of these such as Monzo, charge no fees, whereas others like Revolut charge 5 pound delivery and 2% charge if withdrawing over 200 per month. Considering the rates are that good and they don't cost to change money back that's still a good deal though. Word of warning though, many of these cards are new and are therefore still susceptible to technical issues - particularly Monzo. http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/prepaid-travel-cards
are you gonna try and buy Neymar for Tarn..... but seriously the Post Office always did a good rate on currency exchange.
Halifax Clarity card https://www.halifax.co.uk/creditcards/clarity-card/ All the so-called "commission free" offers are complete and utter ripoffs. Can't fathom why people fall for them time and time again.
You did well. It's currently around the same rate as it was in March 2013. Regarding cards, get a Revolut if you want to pre-paid card. Or a Starling Bank account if you want to use it like a current account. Both have no foreign transaction charges. Starling though has Applepay
Got 110 this morning in Peel square, but we only need Euros maybe a couple times of year, so yes the rates not good but considering I spend sterling approx 50 weeks of the year, so to be honest I am not that bothered what the euro is worth
Of course you can always keep it and use it next year. The way things are going brexit wise I would expect the rate to be even worse in a years time To answer the OP if your Bank doesnt sting you ATM's in Europe are usually competative - Mine charges 2% above the Interbank rate but the Mrs has a Halifax card where we actually get the interbank rate but both are a lot better than high street rates.