Good Location To Live/Work In The UK?

I am a 21 year old culinary graduate, and I have been offered work through my college in Canada. I can work in any UK city for 1 year. I will have to pay living expenses and that kind of thing. I was hoping people can help me out with telling me good places to live. I am looking for a place that isn't too expensive, has some things to do, close enough to other cities to do day trips and just a good safe enviroment. I have travelled the UK extensively and know the culture and what to expect so I just thought I'd ask the locals and get their input.

Public Comments

1. headington, oxfordshire
2. Ok, choice one, EXETER in Devon, lovely and friendly small city. Choice 2, Plymouth. Medium sized, with some good resturants. Choice 3, London. Loads of opportunites, but expensive place to live.
3. North East England, especially Tyne & Wear (Newcastle/Sunderland) have fairly cheap transport, and houses/flats/apartments are not really really expensive either. Both are close to other cities, and people are usually very friendly