Hi Welly and welcome to the forum, please feel free to ask for assistance (as you have), we love to help.
Turning on a Towpath, you're in for an interesting journey.
I'd suggest bolting your lathe to a board of something, offcut of kitchen worktop or similar and another bit of wood underneath, so you form a wide flat 'T' shape. This could be held in a workmate type system and it will all collapse down quite small. A similar arrangement for the Grinder will work as well.
As Les (Gwyntog) notes, if you're turning where the public can pass, you'll need to consider them, so arranging for a safety screen in front of your lathe is also a must. People will be interested, so keep them on the safe side, don't let them come round the rear by you.
Safety gear for yourself, a visor to EN166 1B (
https://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-fm952-safety-visor-500080) and possibly a couple of Workshop Mats (
http://www.halfords.com/workshop-tools/garage-equipment/garage-essentials/rolson-6-piece-floor-mat-set-120-x-180cm) to stand on so your not on grass or anything slippery.
It will take some time to be able to make something worthwhile, so don't be afraid to use found wood, hedgerow or firewood to practice on, and do practice.
Looking forward to pictures of your set-up and turned work.