It was great, huge buzz but slightly scary at the same time! Flew down to Bewl Water first and then headed towards Lydd. Workload was quite intense, tune ATIS, contact approach with position at Tenterden, report 4 miles, contact tower... etc.
Return trip was fine as well; we were on runway 03 and the controller gave instructions for a left turnout after takeoff, which was exactly what I needed. Then once at Ashford requested Southend Radar and flew back to Stapleford.
Can't wait for the next land away, which is next weekend at Earls Colne.
Thanks again for the helpful input, much appreciated.