Where abouts in England are you visiting-sometimes Octobers weather isn't too bad so you may be lucky, the East Coast is more sheltered than the West which is wetter and any Coastal area is windy. I would tell the airline in advance what your needs are and ask them to supply pillows and extra leg room- here in the UK the disability equality duty means they should accomodate your needs- everyone is frightened they will be sued otherwise.
Hope you have a wonderful trip.