For a noob, I'd suggest you grow a few varieties from each of the major pepper species. Figuring out what sort of peppers you like best is half the fun, and will keep you busy for several seasons.
Capsicum Annum
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capsicum_annuum
Most supermarket peppers fall in this group. Cayenne, Jalapeno, Anaheim, etc.
My favorite is the NewMex6-4 Heritage. Tasty, crunchy, big and prolific.
There are zillions of other 'Southwest' varieties that are also superb for cooking or just eating as is.
Big Jim, 'Hatch,' etc.
Capsicum Baccatum
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capsicum_baccatum
Tend to medium heat ("Bloody Hot!" by most people's standards), crunchy, flavorful, often fruity.
Try Aji Pineapple, Bishop's Hat, Aji Amarillo, among dozens of tempting strains.
Capsicum Chinense
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capsicum_chinense
Home of the Habaneros and Superhots.
The 'basic' taste of these is, IMO, significantly different than other species. Try a few Habanero varieties, and one or two supers. I like Fatalis as much as any.
Capsicum Frutescens
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capsicum_frutescens
Apart from Tobascos, I've never tried these.
Capsicum Pubescens
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capsicum_pubescens
Rocoto and others. I need to grow a few of these too.
There are several other wild species that you may get around to in a few years, but for now I'd just stick with the popular ones. They're generally popular for a reason.
Give these listings a read:
http://www.semillas.de/shop_en/index.html
http://pepperlover.com/pepper-seeds/pepper-species
http://www.sandiaseed.com/
etc.
And see what sounds good!
Also note that you can buy pods here in the Forum Ads section. Ask someone in the UK to throw together a sampler box.