Hi there,
By the sounds of what you've said, it sounds like you really like physics but would rather do a degree that has a fair amount of biology in. By extension, it seems like you wouldn't be 100% happy if you were
only doing physics units.
Physics would be a better degree if you are 100% set on physics and like every single bit of it, as you'll be doing almost every aspect of it (at least in first year).
Natural sciences is better if you don't like all bits of physics and also want to do some more biology. By doing NatSci, you only choose the bits that you like from each of these subjects and largely avoid the bits you don't like. NatSci courses are generally a lot more flexible and allow you to personalise your modules to your goals and interests. At Bath, our NatSci course is very similar to Durham's in that you choose a major and a minor subject, so it's like a joint honours. For example, at Bath you could major in physics, minor in biology and then have an extra maths unit (at Bath, you usually get an optional/auxiliary unit from another science, or education, psychology or management. However, if you do physics then there is a compulsory maths unit instead). From what you've said, it sounds like NatSci may be a bitter course for you. If you want to know more about Bath's course, this
thread I started may be helpful
In terms of universities for NatSci, the best ones are Cambridge, Durham, Bath and UCL. Exeter and Nottingham also offer NatSci. Bath and Durham's courses are
very similar so if you like Durham's course, you'll probably also like Bath's. From what I recall when applying, Cambridge and UCL are a bit more restrictive and I think you have to specialise a bit more. For example, at Bath and Durham you study your 2 sciences for the entirety of the degree, whereas other unis have you start with 2-3 sciences, but you narrow it down to only 1 science through the degree. This may have changed since I applied, but it's definitely worth looking at how the course is structured over the entire 3-4 years of the degree. Bath's typical grade requirements for NatSci are A*AA - I got offers from both Durham and Bath when I applied, so they are pretty similar in their requirements.
For personal statements, I can't give a huge amount of advice! I applied for biology courses and NatSci, so I just wrote my personal statement based on science in general and what areas I was interested in. In my case, this worked to my advantage as I was applying for biology and NatSci (biology and chemistry/pharmacology), but that won't be the case for everyone. You basically have to find a line between making it broad enough to cover all your scientific interests, but not
so broad that it just looks generic. Your teachers/tutors at school would be the best people to help you with this!
I hope this has helped, and please let me know if you have any more questions
Jessica, a final year NatSci student