There's also Redhill Airport (?) to the South of London, grass runways in the Summer and a short tarmac runway for the Winter. Choice of several flying schools. Very easy by public transport, 25 minute train ride from London Victoria and a <10 min taxi for around £6 at the other end. Landing fees are reasonable by South East standards, more than you will pay at some of the places mentioned but a lot less than others. Full and friendly ATC, nice views of Gatwick.
There's plenty of land away places in the UK, some very interesting and there's nothing difficult about most of them.