Getting Back into Fishing

I just wondered what period the rod license runs from and when I am
allowed to fish for trout in England and Scotland?

I would also probably need a new rod. I've not been fishing for about
14 or 15 years now. I think I still have the old rod somewhere in our
basement.

I previously had a two piece rod it was only quite small with a
floating line, but that suited me for the mainly river fishing I used
to do in the Lake District. I was a lot younger then though and I'd
probably need something slightly bigger now.

Can anyone recommend any types of rod that are not too expensive and
also a reel?

Are there any decent online angling stores as well or do you folks
mainly just buy your gear from local angling shops in your area?

Cheers

John