One of the differences between Brits and Americans is that if you ask for walking directions, the Americans will tell you how far something is, and the Brits will tell you how long it takes...."fifteen minutes that way mate."
I don’t remember the exact words any more but some English directions don’t translate exactly into American... I was headed for the motorway before I gave up an entered the first building with public access. Had a pay phone and I had a phone card...