Gotta say, I like Stephen's idea. I think it comes down to what you want afterwards. If you think you might want to learn and actually get a license, then microlights are going to be one of the cheapest ways to get a license (can qualify with less than £3000 total if very lucky). So, £1500 may well mean you get a long way through the training, and finishing it off is possible if you can find a "bit more cash".
If its just trying different ways in the air, then Stephen's suggestion is a great one, but consider that if you do want to carry one forwards, you start at the beginning as far as training costs are concerned.
As for light aircraft, you probably need to budget £8k or more to pass your PPL, which effectively means the £1500 doesn't go a long way towards it, and if you do want to carry on after, it may well be a strain!
Good luck