If you put it in an interest-bearing account you'll be lucky to beat inflation, so your money will lose value. For most of it you would be best advised to speak to a reputable financial advisor ('IFA'). They won't normally charge you for an initial consultation.
you might look at M and G if you want a bit of a gamble, the better the possible return, the higher the risk. I've got some in there and some in premium bonds
It depends on what your current financial position is and what your needs will be over the next few years. If you have any debts where the interest rate is above 2-3% then use pay a large chunk (or all) of these off first. I wouldn't spend money on an IFA for a sum of this amount- the fees will outweigh the benefits. Santander 123 is well worth looking at
You'll be able to put a good amount of it into an ISA after 5 April, so you won't pay tax on the interest (not sure what the limit will be for 2014-15, but I am sure someone else can tell you!)
I agree. ^ Anywhere else interest rates are rubbishy and with premium bonds you could expect a regular flow of small prizes and you're always in with a chance of a big win.
A terrace in a university town will breing in good income, you can get a letting agency to do the day-to-day stuff, and you pay tghe mortgage and akways have a saleable asset.