Oh, you thought Universal would let us breathe? A mere weeks before the opening of Universal’s Epic Universe in Orlando Florida (which I have been tracking with deep dives every new land here), Universal Destinations & Experiences confirmed a new theme park will be constructed in the United Kingdom—the first Universal theme park in Europe.

According to sources, Universal in June of last year (2024), announced it was in the due diligence phase and would make final decision on the project by the end of this year. And that time has come!

Of course, the UK project is subject to securing planning approval, requiring a a proposal to be submitted to the UK Government. The anticipated construction start date is sometime in 2026.

Universal in December 2023 announced that it acquired a 476-acre site for the now confined land outside Bedford, just 60 miles northwest of London. That’s close enough to major airports but far enough to make it a destination.

What We Know About Lands at the Universal UK Theme Park

Proposals include the theme park, a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining and entertainment complex.

Universal has not confirmed details coming to the lands that will comprise the theme park, but the BBC reported that attractions could be based on James Bond, Paddington, and The Lord of the Ring, with other areas inspired by Back to the Future, Jurassic Park, and Minions—and interesting crop for sure. Per the BBC, a James Bond-themed stunt show is also in development.

And whah about dear old Harry Potter in his homeland? Exclusivity agreements reportedly keep the valuable franchise in the hands of Warner Bros., which runs the very successful Studio Tour a stone’s throw away in nearby Leavesden. Can’t we all just get along?

With a reported opening goal of 2031, we have several years to follow this one. And don’t forget, this is in addition to the Universal Kids Resort planned for Frisco, Texas. Stay tuned.

Enjoyed this article? Consider subscribing to the Disney Download, my free theme parks newsletter—no spam, no fuss, a newsletter that’s Disney plus. 

You can also follow my adventures on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok! 

See ya real soon!