The Brompton is a tremendously British folding bike. They fold down to a very small size (it fits into the boot of a Mazda MX-5!) but can easily be ridden 50-100 miles a day and can keep up with non-folding bicycles with ease.
I use mine to commute to work in Leeds, to go shopping etc., and for the occasional leisure run. I've so far done about 14,000 miles on my Bromptons!