Hi Fly Fish,
Places to visit in striking distance of Stapleford?
North Weald although it won't put many minutes in your logbook!
Le Touquet - what are you waiting for?
Duxford - Er well lots of interesting exhibits.
Bembridge or Sandown for the Isle of Wight.
Or for a little further afield...
Jersey - very cheap landing fee and free parking for seven days.
St Marys (Scilly Isles) - very picturesque I've been told and I am going to find out one day this year (hopefully).
If going to St Marys then use Lands End for fuel.
Perranporth - take a taxi into the seaside town.
Cardiff - just because its a friendly International Airport and its my home base - great bacon sandwiches at the flying club bar (don't go to the north side as you'd be charged a fortune for handling).
You could use Cardiff as your staging post for a trip to Ireland - Cork, Dublin or Waterford spring to mind.
Compton Abbass - annoy Madonna on final approach. Very nice grass field and good food to boot.
Old Sarum - another nice grass field.
There are plenty of others but that'll give you some hours in the logbook!
Hope this helps.
Best wishes,
Charlie Zulu.