Plans for the theme park include ‘several themed lands’ and a 500-room hotel
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The plan for the Universal theme park in the U.K. Photo: Universal/Comcast
A new theme park is coming to town!
On Tuesday, April 8, Universal Destinations & Experiences announced that they will be opening their first-ever theme park and resort in the U.K.
This comes after the company confirmed the purchase of land in the English town of Bedford in December 2023 and spent over a year exploring the idea of delivering a new theme park and resort experience at the location, which is around 60 miles north of London.
There are currently Universal parks in Florida and Los Angeles, as well as Japan, Beijing and Singapore.
The plan for the new resort complex include a “world-class theme park with several themed lands” featuring “immersive storytelling, thrilling rides, innovative attractions and exciting entertainment,” according to a news release. A 500-room hotel and a retail, dining and entertainment complex also make up part of the plans.
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This will not only mark the first Universal park in the U.K., but in Europe, too.
The new development is set to have a “transformative impact” on the U.K. economy and will contribute immensely to creative arts and the country’s tourism, “generating nearly £50 billion of economic benefit for the UK and creating thousands of new, high-quality jobs,” per the release.
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Comcast Corporation president Mike Cavanagh and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street in London on April 8, 2025. STEFAN ROUSSEAU/POOL/AFP via Getty
The park is also set to be one of the largest employers in the area, with the majority of employees coming from surrounding towns and “many more communities benefiting from apprenticeships, training and educational opportunities.”
“We recognize the tremendous excitement our theme parks and destinations bring; however, it is too early in the process to know the possibilities of featured attractions and experiences,” the release concluded. “More details about the project will be revealed over time and are subject to the necessary planning consent approvals.”
In a statement, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer celebrated the new Universal location and its construction creating thousands of new jobs.
“Today we closed the deal on a multi-billion-pound investment that will see Bedford home to one of the biggest entertainment parks in Europe, firmly putting the county on the global stage,” Starmer, 62, said, according a press release. “This is our Plan for Change in action, combining local and national growth with creating around 28,000 new jobs across sectors such as construction, AI, and tourism.”
He added, “It is not just about numbers; it’s about securing real opportunities for people in our country. Together, we are building a brighter future for the UK, getting people into work and ensuring our economy remains strong and competitive.”