Across the grain, a saw (preferably some kind of bowsaw) is always going to be easier.
With the grain, ie splitting, and being in the UK, you could look at a Morris Riving Iron, a traditional tool for splitting smaller wood. Can be had for less than £20.
WARNING & DISCLAIMER:
SELECT AND USE OUTDOORS AND SURVIVAL EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES AND TECHNIQUES AT YOUR OWN RISK. Information posted
on this forum is not reviewed for accuracy and may not be reliable, use at your own risk. Please
review the full WARNING & DISCLAIMER about information on this
site.