Consider gliding
Gliding is a low-cost way to get some flying skills, around £25/hour.
The training isn't trivial; skills acquired before going solo include flying near other aircraft (thermals, circuits), low-level aerobatics (spins at 1000ft), and engine failure (winch/cable/aerotow failure), and just looking out of the cockpit. Radio skills are required post solo.
There are three gliding clubs around Bristol, Cotswold (near Stroud), Bristol and Gloucester (also near Stroud) and Mendip (near Cheddar).