How to choose your first gym A beginners guide to facilities

Hello everyone, I am finally ready to join a gym and start my fitness journey. I have been looking at a few local options like PureGym and JD Gyms here in the UK, but I am feeling a bit overwhelmed about what to look for as a complete beginner.

I want to make sure I pick a place that will be supportive and not too intimidating. What are the most important things a new person should consider when choosing their first gym? Should I prioritize one with more free weights, or is a wider range of machines better for getting started?

Also, how much attention should I pay to things like class schedules or if they offer personal training packages? I am thinking about just getting a basic membership to begin with. Any advice on trial passes or how to evaluate the atmosphere during a tour would be greatly appreciated. I really want to get this right.