Hi - It largely depends on where you live as to which are the best varieties of apple trees to grow so beware. Bramleys are what is known as triploids, which means they need two other different varieties of apple trees flowering at the same time to provide successful pollination. Even then you are only likely to get a good crop every two years. A neighbour's apple trees, even an ornamental crab, will be a suitable pollinator if in flower at the same time.Â
The next thing is to choose the type of apple you like and consult a specialist grower as, for example, Coxs do not do well in northern England. If there is one near you go and see him - he will sell them bare rooted, which I recommend, because containerised trees are too often potbound. Some of the varieties you find in the supermarkets are also available but there are many others that are better flavoured and the wrong colour for them to sell. The popular Braeburn are not considered to be a good ripener in this country and although I understand there are improved versions to remedy that, I would hesitate before choosing it even if I lived in the south of England.
The rootstock is also very important and decides on the final size of the trees. Those grown on the very dwarfing rootstocks like M27 & M9 will require permanent staking.
Have a look at the following sites:
http://www.fruittree.co.uk/http://www.gardenaction.co.uk/http://www.brogdale.org/http://www.webvalley.co.uk/brogdale/index.htmlbut there are many many more. One of the Brogdale sites has a lot of information that might help you. If you are tight for space but have room for three trees, I'd recommend M9 rootstock which will eventually grow to 6' - 8' height and spread under ideal conditions and subject to pruning. Many people do not regard 'family' trees as a good long term option because the different varieties tend to grow unevenly and one will often dominate after a few years;
The ones I have chosen to grow as they suit me and my growing conditions, if it is of any help are: Charles Ross, Fiesta, Red Falstaff, James Grieve and Gala, with d'Arcy Spice as an absolutely splendid russet type with wonderful flavour and will keep until late spring [May]. You pick those in the first week of November.  One of my all time favourites that could be cooked or used as a desert apple is Blenheim Orange but sadly, I don't have the room and probably now live a bit too far north.
You can't beat a good British apple!
