more fruit tree advice needed

[mimififi]

Hi there you guys,

I am now in a position to start planting my fruit trees. I have decided on two victoria plum trees, two conference pear trees and two apple trees one of unknown variety one brambley.

Can anyone recommend a dessert apple variety. Our favourite shop apples are Braeburn as we like the tanginess of those apples, but which home variety would be similar in taste and also good at keeping in storage?

Also, if a tree needs a pollenating partner, can you just simply have two of the same variety, or does it need a different variety that blossoms at the same time for pollination?

Last question, how far apart do I have to plant each tree?

many thanks,
mimififi

[janetsflower]

Conference pears don't pollinate each other - mine are planted with a willaims as well which seems to work. Victoria plum are supposed to be self fertile but mine didn't fruit at all this year