SVB do a search on turning clubs near to where you live and go and talk to the people there. You will probably be able to look at a couple of bits of machinery and see what suits you.
By the way, welcome to the slippery slope of turning. Once on the slope you will enjoy the ride :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
I'm in a club in Sawbridgeworth. We have a number of members from Hertford and Ware, but there's also a club in Hemel. - www.hertsandbedswoodturners.org
Once you're in a club you'll be able to get some hands-on time and maybe get more of an idea of what you'll be wanting to turn.
Don't buy one of those clarke, lumberjack, aldi woodzone, sip, draper etc lathes. They are all variations on the same piece of dung. Search for lumberjack lathe, costing around £140, to see a pic of what I mean.