Alex - why not give gliding a go to start with, there are lots of clubs within an hour from you, one I know of will allow you to train for your NPPL in a motorglider (a gutless underpowered aircraft) for £36 an hour, and the gliding only costs £5 a launch! If you can glide first powered flying is so much easier! And it will let you see if you like it first before you spend lots of money.