How to get rid of freckles?

I really hate my freckles, and I'd give anything to have lovely clear skin! I wanted to try a cream to get rid of them, but I don't know which cream to get? And if I do use it, won't it lighten that area of my skin as well? So where I put the cream it will be light, but the area where I don't have freckles will be darker? I really haven't got a clue haha. I live in the UK btw, so creams that are available in the UK :) thanks!