New Universal theme park will bring Hollywood thrills to British countryside

Apr 9

Kennedy Felton Lifestyle Correspondent

By Kennedy Felton (Lifestyle Correspondent)

Universal has announced plans to build its first U.K. theme park in Bedford, set to open in 2031. The project is expected to attract 8.5 million visitors in its first year and create 28,000 jobs during construction.
The resort will feature a 500-room hotel, a retail and entertainment complex, and themed attractions. Specific rides remain under wraps as planning proposals are still pending.
This marks part of Universal’s global expansion strategy. It joins other projects, like a kid-focused park in Texas, and reflects the company’s efforts to reach new audiences worldwide.

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A Universal theme park is coming to the U.K. The entertainment giant has announced plans for a major new resort in Bedford.

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This marks Universal’s first theme park in the U.K. The project could bring a wave of Hollywood magic to the British countryside, joining a thriving entertainment tourism scene that includes the “Harry Potter Studios” and the London Eye.

Construction to begin in 2026

Universal Destinations & Experiences announced the news on Tuesday. It follows the company’s 2023 confirmation that it had purchased a 476-acre site in Bedford, about 60 miles north of London.

According to a media release, the Universal theme park U.K. project could attract 8.5 million visitors in its first year. Officials also estimate 28,000 jobs will be created before the park’s grand opening in 2031.

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U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the Universal theme park could “see Bedford home to one of the biggest entertainment parks in Europe, firmly putting the county on the global stage.”

Resort plans include hotel and entertainment complex

Construction on the Universal theme park U.K. is on track to begin in 2026. Initial resort plans feature a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining, and entertainment complex.

As for the rides, guests will have to wait. A full planning proposal has not yet been submitted to the U.K. government, so specific attractions remain under wraps.

According to the BBC, some residents and local officials expressed hesitation that the area’s infrastructure could support the estimated number of visitors expected to descend upon it once the new park opens.

Still, the move signals Universal’s broader global expansion strategy. The Universal theme park U.K. comes amid other efforts, including a kid-focused park in Texas and Disney’s recent growth in Asia.

Universal Destinations & Experiences currently operates four branded parks and resorts worldwide:

Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Singapore

Mark Woodbury, chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, called the new park a “tremendous opportunity.”

“Bringing a world-class theme park and resort to the United Kingdom is a tremendous opportunity and is part of our strategy to introduce the Universal brand and experiences to new audiences around the globe,” he said in a press release. “We appreciate the incredible support for our proposed project and look forward to bringing it to life in the years ahead.”