Always loads going at Popham, which would be about an hour's drive. The best bet is to drive or fly over and peruse the notice board in the clubhouse.
The cheapest you're likely to get there is a C152 share at a little over £2,000, then £25/month + £35/hr (I know of at-least one for sale at that, but there's a wide variety on the board).
Not right on your doorstep, but a super place to do your PPLing from.
G