Who doesn’t love a theme park? They’ve got high-speed roller coasters, live entertainment, and fast food. Now we have exciting news. Europe’s first Universal theme park is coming in 2031, and it’s opening right here in the UK.
Where will Universal UK be built?
A multi-billion-pound investment has been secured to build a massive Universal theme park and resort in Bedfordshire. This years-in-the-making project will bring the enormous complex to the east of England, which Universal estimates could attract 8.5 million visitors in its first year.
The new theme park is expected to provide a significant boost for the UK’s economy, generating approximately £50 billion and creating around 28,000 jobs in total across creative, hospitality and construction industries.
Mayor of Bedford Tom Wootton said: ‘This is a landmark moment for Bedford Borough. Universal’s decision to proceed with its theme park and resort in the UK brings exciting opportunities to our doorstep – thousands of jobs, new training and career paths, and a huge boost for local businesses.
‘Bedford is the perfect place for this investment – well-connected, full of talent, and ready to grow. We’re proud to be chosen as the home of Universal in the UK. I’m delighted that our residents and communities will benefit in the years and decades ahead. I will continue to work closely with Universal and local stakeholders to deliver for them.’
How long will it take to build?
Planning permission is still pending on the giant entertainment park, but all being well Universal UK is expected to open within six years, in 2031.
How big will the theme park be?
Universal UK is expected to be spread over a 476-acre complex. Here’s a map of the expected site.
Why was Bedford chosen to host Universal’s new theme park?
There are a few reasons why Bedford was chosen for Universal UK – but the big one is its transport links. Bedford is on the soon-to-be-revamped East West Rail line between Oxford and Cambridge, and it’s not far from London Luton Airport. It’s also very well-connected to London.
How will visitors travel to Universal’s new theme park?
Official guidance for visitors to Universal UK is yet to be confirmed, but the area is set to be accessible by car via major roads like the M1 and A6, as well as by train (Bedford is nearby, and transport expert IanVisits explains that new stations are being built on Midland Main Line at Wixams and on the East West Rail line).
Luton airport will be a half-hour drive south and a short train ride.
What are the rumoured attractions for the theme park?
So far Universal hasn’t confirmed any attractions for the 500-acre site, aside from saying that it’ll have ‘multiple themed lands with Universal’s immersive storytelling and advanced technology’ and ‘innovative attractions, rides, and entertainment’.
Eagle-eyed people over the the Mirror zoomed in on the above map and noted a giant simulated volcano, a rollercoaster over water and a huge stage/amphitheatre.
Among the brands expected to appear in the park at James Bond, Paddington and Lord of the Rings.
Does Universal Studios include Harry Potter?
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is part of Universal theme parks in Orlando and Los Angeles. The rides, and film franchises, that will be a part of the UK Universal haven’t been revealed just yet.
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