Which flight school would be the best, and possibly closest to London?
The best school is the one that does the job properly, but more importantly, the one where you feel at home and have a good report with the people who work there. You will only determine that by visiting a few schools, seeing if you like them, and how you get on with people there. Next consider cost, not all the prices quoted are the actual prices you will pay, schools tend to offer deals and hide some costs. London for example is the most expensive place in the UK to learn to fly, its also problematical because you cant cross London, you have to go around it, meaning you are limited in where you can do the training, both horizontally and vertically. Many people in the London area find it cheaper to drive to an airfield away from London to do their training. Remember some people on here may have a vested interest! Get on your bike and do some research. As stated above, why do you want a licence? it may affect your decisions!