Comment by samlittlewood

Have a look at the BMFA - http://https://bmfa.club. They have a directory of clubs and pointers for learning.

You will need insurance and CAA flyer/operator IDs. This can be arranged through club, or directly via the BMFA above.

Some of the clubs can be rather .... err ... clubby - older members whose hobby has become running the club the way see fit, vs. flying planes.