fernytickles: I believe that Obs cop is looking for a place that he can rent an airplane for solo flying ("train up in and then hire an old warbird"). To the best of my knowledge (?), NATG does not permit solo rentals.
Of course, if I've misinterpreted Obs cop's aspiration, then great, as there are any number of places in the UK and overseas where one can arrange for one or more dual flights on a pay-as-you-go basis (come on over here and we'll put you in the Harvard for a lot less money than NATG charges).
The Sherburn Cap is only £95/hr to hire, and with a 130kt cruise, makes it hardly any more expensive per mile to hire than a PA28, but while being hugely more fun
Good thinking.