New Universal theme park near London to break ground in 2026, if U.K. approves
Universal plans to build a theme park near London with construction starting in 2026, pending approval by the U.K. government.
Universal Destinations & Experiences formally announced its plans on April 8, 2025. The company purchased the property of the intended theme park — located close to Bedford in England, about 45 minutes from London — in late 2023 as a possible spot for future development. Now, it’s full steam ahead.
Universal’s plans for the project (name TBA) include a “world-class” theme park (i.e., not a scaled-down attraction such as the upcoming Universal Kids Resort in Texas) and a 500-room hotel. The company released new concept art for the U.K. park in its April 8 announcement:
Universal has not announced what stories or characters would be represented in the proposed U.K. theme park’s attractions. The company often draws inspiration from such franchises as “Harry Potter,” “Jurassic Park,” “Despicable Me,” and its in-house DreamWorks Animation studio, as well as partnerships with outside brands like Nintendo and Nickelodeon.
‘A significant opportunity to reach new fans’
Bedford is accessible to over half of the U.K.’s citizens in two hours’ time, according to Universal. The company was drawn to the U.K.’s population size, tourism appeal, transportation infrastructure, and presence of creative industries.
“Bringing the Universal brand to the United Kingdom is another exciting step forward in generating future growth,” said Mark Woodbury, chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences. “Expanding into Europe presents us with a significant opportunity to reach new fans and share the incredible experiences our team creates.”
History of Universal in Europe
Universal says the U.K. theme park property would be the company’s first “entertainment resort complex” in Europe, which is perhaps technically true, but Universal does have a history in another European country. PortAventura World in Spain was previously a Universal park and known as Universal Mediterranea. The company sold its 37% ownership of the park in 2004; it still operates today.
Photos by Blake Taylor
The location of the future Bedford park is about 80 miles away from Rainham Marshes, where Universal reportedly considered building a resort three decades ago, as chronicled in the Los Angeles Times. That project never came to be.
Universal currently operates parks in Florida, California, Beijing, Japan, and Singapore. The company will open the aforementioned kids-focused park near Dallas, Texas in 2026. Of course, in the short term Universal’s latest park on deck is Universal Epic Universe, officially opening May 22 in Orlando, Fla. and beginning public previews on April 17.
Are you excited about a Universal theme park opening in the U.K.?
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