Gurds,
I asked the same question a couple of days ago and the response was great. Most people recommended a spotted or
childrens python to start with.
Don't throw in live mice (worms, disease, potential injury to snake and it's illegal) frozens don't appear to expensive.
Do a search for enclosures and some of the setups will blow your mind.
I am still awaiting my licence so I can start.
Cheers
Dutch