Good selection of knitting patterns and wool .Lots of up to date patterns .
http://www.knitting-yarn.co.uk/
And they have a forum where beginners are welcome .
Also
http://www.kingcole.co.uk/
Some John Lewis stores also have workshops run by Rowan .But their wool etc is on the expensive side .
Wilkinsons sell cheap wool in a variety of colours and markets often have a wool stall..
If you Google watch out for American patterns .They use different needle sizes to us different yarn weights and different instructions . They also knit a lot on circular needles knitting which can be confusing for a beginner .Stick to UK sites .