Being based at EGNX, orbits in the circuit are a very common event. Orbits can last upto 15 mins pending jet traffic conditions. EGNX ATC will also have you orbiting at the entry exit lanes if required. 'Tis the way of the world here and provides good practice on your airmanship skills in flying tight box sections or relatively tight circles (harder than the boxes) whilst maintaining a solid 1000' QFE. Consideration must also be given to the airfield winds to prevent drift towards the runway as well as local noise abatement.
I have on one occassion been told on v.short finals to return to base leg for orbit and hold due to jet traffic up the chuffer storming down the glide alot quicker than ATC expected. Not a pleasant encounter at 300' over the M1, full flap and 60kts to turn tail.
To answer the question, ATC do not tell you which way to turn in relation to the runway, but it is clear when requested to do so, to make the initial turn away from the runway.