There are a number of pilot operated lighting strips in the UK, Spanhoe is one that comes straight to mind. they are mostly on the small strips and are unsurprisingly popular on farm strips.
I have used them a number of times, 7 clicks on the POL frequency and the lights come on for 30 minutes.
It is a shame some of the bigger airfields don't have them. But I guess if there is no one there to operate the lights then there is no one there to collect the landing fee!!!
I agree that an IMC is a benefit for XC flying at night but for local flight just experiancing the sheer fun of being airborne at night the basic 5 hour hourse is enough When I did my rating orginally I did the night first and enjoyed many hours of cruising around the local area. Having flown a good number of landaway cross countries I have encountered cloud on many occassions in which case being able to instrument fly proves invaluable.