I would recommend X-Plane 9 (10) ..
I tried FSX but it was too "gamey"....
With the VFR Scenary packs for the UK the visual experience is very good.....
Also there is a strong community providing addons and detailing UK aerodromes..
I use it currently for checklist training & circuit accuracy , in X-Plane you can start from scratch in a C152.... also brings in local metars :-)
but its not a replacement for the "real" thing.....