Well. I say definitely DURHAM! And they do english!
I went to Van Mildert College back in 1989 (seems like yesterday). I am from Hertfordshire originally so I was doing the northern thing. Durham is a great place to be a student; lovely traditional city, good low key student based night life, small enough to feel like you really belong, ermmm near Newcastle and some lovely countryside, cheaper than down south, most the colleges have guaranteed living in accommodation which creates a good collegiate atmosphere. Bad points back then (for me) was the prevelance of "Rahs" from south with loads of money. oh and having to do some work. Most my friends went on to jobs in London and I would certainly reccommend choosing somewhere where you really fancy living cos no doubt as others have said, you will end up where the work is in later days.
Now I am in Manchester and I love it here...but the student life isn't half as cosy. It is a good city with loads going on (you don't need a car at all, but the students do tend to end up in the rougher areas...and there's more liklihood of getting robbed methinks.

Would love to know where you end up. My brother went to Lancaster. Nice Campus and loads of ex students end up settling there so it can't be bad. Near the lakes too.

I had friends at York. Also campus based which i imagine could become a bit restricting.
I would also certainly take a look at Sheffield or Leeds. Both vibrant cities with loads of student life.

good luck!
ps how did les miz go?