Lots of useful advice on here, and a very sensible question to ask in the first place.
Another way to do your research is find your local small airport and hang out there, check out the local PFA (Popular Flying Association), have a poke around flying organisation's websites, such as AOPA (Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association) and EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association - consider coming to the largest GA airshow in the world, AirVenture).
Once you have completed your PPL, the doors open to lots of other opportunities, tailwheel rating, aerobatics course, seaplane rating, helicopter rating, glider flying, the list is endless. Basically, whatever your budget and interest can accommodate.
Like Whirly, I gave it a go with no fixed idea of the long term. I now fly for a living, have been for many years, love it and have blown most of my earnings on a couple of different aeroplanes for myself.
Equally you may find that acheiving the PPL is sufficient, and something else will catch your interest. Whatever happens after your PPL is up to you, so long as you have fun getting there. Good luck
