Having babies in the UK

Does anyone know what maternity system is like in the UK? It's a ways off yet, but DH and I are being transferred over there for his work about the time we'd be wanting another baby (if all goes to plan). The idea of having a baby so far from home, and in a place where I don't know about the health system, worries me a bit.

Anything anyone can tell me about it? I'd love to know about public vs. private (including costs), what the 'typical' arrangements are etc, etc.