Universal announces UK theme park amid ‘epic' growth of parks business
Universal Destinations & Experiences is expanding its global theme park footprint, confirming a new theme park will be built in the U.K. — the latest in a trio of ambitious projects for the company.
Earlier this week, the company confirmed plans for a new theme park and resort in the United Kingdom — the first Universal-branded park to be built in Europe. The announcement comes ahead of the upcoming opening of Epic Universe in Orlando on May 22 and as construction continues on another park in Frisco, Texas.
The U.K. park, tentatively referred to as Universal Studios Great Britain, is set to be built on a 476-acre site near Bedford, approximately 50 miles north of London. Preliminary plans outline a multi-land park that will include themed attractions, a hotel, and a retail and dining district as part of a larger entertainment resort.
Scheduled to open in 2031, the park will be a centerpiece of a larger, planned entertainment resort featuring immersive storytelling, attractions, and hospitality offerings. Government officials estimate the project to bring a $65 billion boost to the local economy and create approximately 28,000 jobs across the creative, hospitality, and construction industries through 2055.
'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,' Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences said in a statement. 'We appreciate the incredible support for our proposed project and look forward to bringing it to life in the years ahead.'
While Universal has not confirmed specific intellectual properties for the UK resort, the BBC reports that attractions based on James Bond, 'Paddington,' and 'The Lord of the Rings' are planned, along with additional zones inspired by 'Back to the Future,' 'Jurassic Park,' and 'Minions.' A James Bond-themed stunt show, said to resemble The Bourne Stuntacular in Orlando, is also reportedly in development.
Despite early hopes, it appears Harry Potter will not be included in the new park due to an existing exclusivity agreement with Warner Bros., which operates the popular Studio Tour just 40 minutes away in Leavesden. However, insiders suggest that Universal may explore additional franchises —such as Nintendo or 'Wicked'—for potential expansion in the future. Universal has not publicly commented on the rumored franchises.
'We could not be more excited to take this very important step in our plan to create and deliver an incredible Universal theme park and resort in the heart of the United Kingdom, which complements our growing US-based parks business by expanding our global footprint to Europe,' Mike Cavanagh, President of Comcast Corporation, said in a statement.
In Orlando, Epic Universe is currently operating in previews ahead of its May 22 official opening and is positioned as one of the company's largest and most technologically advanced parks to date. The park, which will expand Universal Orlando Resort's footprint significantly, features five worlds: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and Dark Universe.
Epic Universe reflects a broader shift toward immersive, IP-driven experiences. While industry analysts estimate the park's construction cost to be over $7 billion, Universal has not disclosed the official figure.
Universal is also expanding into new territory with a family-focused park in Frisco, Texas. Designed specifically for younger audiences, this project aims to deliver a more intimate and approachable experience, featuring beloved characters and IPs like 'Shrek,' 'Trolls,' and 'Kung Fu Panda.' The park will be smaller in scale compared to Orlando's offerings but promises high-quality design and interactivity.
These projects reflect a strategic expansion by Universal Destinations & Experiences, as it continues to diversify its portfolio and reach new markets. With developments underway in the U.K., Florida, and Texas, the company is signaling a long-term commitment to global growth in themed entertainment.
And for fans of thrilling rides, immersive lands, and world-class storytelling, the next few years are looking more exciting than ever.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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