eyemblacksheep there's some questions of which the answers don't entirely matter
but, what did you experience that interested you?
I don't think you need a full on plan of exactly what you're looking for but, "I'd like to do BDSM" could mean one of many things.
If you're in the North-West there's an awful lot of Read more… choice, many munches and events and a fair few dungeons. But, a lot of these are worth visiting at your own pace and of course remember the general rule these aren't hook-up events but a chance to talk and make friends with other people into the lifestyle. Many will have different experience levels, interests and their own stories.
Sometimes, I feel approaching with an open mind is good. But be cautious approaching *too* open minded because it sometimes sounds "desperate for anything"

BigPolly I don’t think it’s important to know what you’re interested in at all, not everyone knows & many folk like lots of different things.
Like @Lugnut says, tastes mature. We all started somewhere & many of our kinks & tastes have changed over time. Study stuff on the Internet, talk to folk on here & Read more… hang around for sometime until you find things that interest you.
There are munches or clubs if you want to meet like minded folk but whatever route you choose, just enjoy yourself. Everyone on here is very open & although not everything floats everyone’s boat that’s ok cos we’re all different & that’s what makes us all wonderfully weird

DrG-4411 Thanks for both your responses it’s really helpful and gives me a good idea of what I need to do to get going. Thanks for both your responses it’s really helpful and gives me a good idea of what I need to do to get going.