Hi Steve, it may be a little too late for winter pansy seeds now, but Wilkinsons had plug plants of pansy and primulas this morning which you could grow on a bit.
Or there are some here that you could order and grow on, would work out cheaper than garden centre prices.
http://www.organicplants.co.uk/acatalog/Catalogue____Pick_and_Mix_50.htmlI have just had some very healthy broccoli plants from them and I know other people on here use them.
You can also pop in crocus and small daffs, say Tete-a-Tete, to pop up in the early spring.
Our Homebase already has winter hanging baskets for sale so if you have one locally you could look in there for ideas.
Winter flowering heathers look good, and cyclamen too. Last year our B&Q had very small shrubs in a pack of 4 which added a bit of height in a hanging basket and I have grown them on it pots to plant out this autumn. At least you are getting more use of the plants that way. A small Skimmia japonica 'Rubella' can look good with cyclamen and heather or say white pansies or violas.
I am sure others will be along with suggestions too.
Good luck
T.