You will get lots of suggestions as to where to go to try gliding (and this is one of them).
There's no reason to travel very far to find out all you need to know. Bowland shouldn't be a problem re airspace and I understand they are really good lot up there. But you would be equally welcome at the Derbyshire and Lancashire Club.
www.dlgc.org.uk We have many pilots with power experience including current and ex airline pilots and ex service pilots who would be happy to talk to you about converting to gliding.
Excellent bar also.