I am thinking about studying politics/history or very tentatively law in the near future.
University wise I am considering St Andrews, Glasgow, Durham, Warwick and Exeter. My preference would be for either St Andrews or Glasgow although I know that St Andrews does not do law. On the one hand they are both ancient medieval institutions and I'm a sucker for Gothic architecture and turrets and more seriously I like that I would be in a place with 500-600 years of educational experience (and perhaps a bit snobbish). Looking on wiki I am amazed by the number of graduates from these two that go into politics and other positions of influence. Also Glasgow in particular has a very strong debating tradition that appeals(might explain all the politicians
).
That said Durham is also prestigious in its own way (and the castle seems nice but everyone wants to get into University College). Warwick's rise has certainly been stratospheric in recent years and Exeter has a certain posh factor that appeals although it is my least favorite.
I must confess I have not really explored departmental rankings and to be honest I question whether that really important unless you want to pursue a career in academia/research.