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Universal Announces New U.K. Theme Park and Resort – Everything We Know So Far

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Chris Hassan
Updated: 
Edited by: Juan Ruiz
Universal Announces New U.K. Theme Park and Resort – Everything We Know So Far
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Universal has been very busy lately. With the opening of Epic Universe in Orlando just weeks away, Universal Destinations & Experiences announced that it will be opening its first-ever theme park and resort in the U.K.

This new park will have multiple themed lands, thrill rides, and even a 500-room hotel with retail, dining, and entertainment options.

Let’s look closer at the exciting details.

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New Universal Studios Theme Park and Resort Coming to the U.K.

Universal Destinations & Experiences, a unit of Comcast NBC Universal, has announced it will build its first-ever theme park and resort in Bedford, United Kingdom.

Universal has purchased a 476-acre piece of land in Bedford, a market town in Bedfordshire, England, which is about 40 minutes north of London by train.

Universal new park UK
Image Credit: Universal

The company plans to build a theme park, hotel, and resort complex in 2026 and aims to complete it by 2031. This timeline is contingent upon obtaining the necessary planning approvals.

Although details are currently limited, we know that the new development will feature a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining, and entertainment complex.

Based on the concept art, we can see that there will be 4-5 themed lands around a lake, with at least 3 rollercoasters. We don’t know what intellectual properties (IPs) are being considered, but the internet is already full of guesses, including Jurassic World, James Bond, Minions, Back to the Future, and more.

Universal estimates that this new park will boost tourism in the U.K. and generate up to $64 billion (£50 billion) in economic benefits.

Bottom Line:

Universal plans to open a brand-new theme park outside of London in 2031.

Other Universal News

Universal has been busy with new parks while also improving its existing parks, including Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Beijing Resort, Universal Studios Japan, and Universal Studios Singapore.

Plus, there will be 2 other parks opening soon: Universal Kids Resort and Universal Epic Universe.

We recently got a sneak peek inside Epic Universe and its flagship hotel, Helios Grand Hotel, and if those are any indication of what is coming to the U.K., our British friends are in for quite the treat.

» Related: First Look: Universal Epic Universe – 5 Worlds, 1 Unforgettable Experience

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Final Thoughts

Universal plans on opening its first-ever theme park and resort in the U.K.

We don’t know the official name yet or details such as which lands will occupy the park or what IPs will be featured, but we do know that it will be massive in size, only 40 minutes from London, and a highly anticipated destination for theme park fans and locals alike.

Featured Image Credit: Universal
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About Chris Hassan

Chris holds a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management and managed social media for all Marriott properties in South America, making him a perfect fit for UP and its social media channels. He has a passion for making content catered toward family travelers.

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