I too passed my PPL not so long ago - it costs me £120 p/h wet in a clubs PA28 from Sherburn. Yes, there's a joining fee, but for the facilities and resources I've got at my disposal it's a drop in the ocean. 4 very well maintained runways, 1 tarmac with APAPI lighting, NDB, about 15 aircraft to pick from etc - flying in the UK will always be more expensive when comparing to abroad. In the same way my Subaru used to "suck" at getting 19mpg on £1.47 superunleaded compared to the 65mpg in my new diesel focus.
Since qualifying, I've had some of the greatest times of my life flying in the UK airspace. I've been across to the coast, down to Cambridge, planning the Isle of Man, last week I got up to FL65 and could see both sides of the country with the viz! And just today, a 3.5hour round trip to a lovely field at Eshott, then on to Holy Island and back through Newcastle Class D (with a KLM airliner 1000ft underneath me right to left) right by the threshold to the active and then again down to Durham.
The thing is - yes it is expensive but surely you knew what you were getting yourself into when you started. My answer: JFDI! Enjoy the qualification you have and remember, it's certainly cheaper at present than owning your own
