Hi, I've done the whole zero-hours to fATPL course at Stapleford. Passed my IR yesterday and can definitely recommend the school, although I agree that when the weather's poor or you have no flights booked in (I flew 5 days on, 2 off) there really isn't a lot to do. Having said that, there's always someone about willing to give you a lift to and from the station - everyone tends to lend the favour around and drive everyone else. I've even heard of the receptionists picking people up who were stuck!
My advice is to get yourself a cheap mountain bike and head out into the countryside - it's a great way of getting away from it all for a bit.
Good luck with your training, it's great fun!