Universal Destinations & Experiences announced today (9 April 2025) that they intend to build and operate the company’s first-ever Universal branded theme park and resort in Europe. The confirmed site is 476 acres in Kempston Hardwick, near Bedford in the UK.

The park has been in development since December 2023, but was officially approved by Keir Starmer’s government this week. It should open, pending planning consent approvals and logistical delays, in 2031.

The aim of this blog is to bring you all the news, views, and updates on this as-yet-unnamed park, as they happen over the next five to six years. I will create my own content as well as share links to others’, and hopefully we can build a community of theme park lovers sharing their excitement for this new project.

The proposed plans include an entertainment resort complex with a world-class theme park with several themed lands featuring Universal’s distinct brand of immersive storytelling, thrilling rides, innovative attractions and exciting entertainment. Initial resort plans also feature a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining and entertainment complex. It will also include local infrastructure projects, including travel links by both rail and road.

We will cover all aspects of this project in weekly blog posts between now and opening day. For now, you can find all the official announcement press release on the Universal UK Project website.  What are you most excited about?

• SOURCES:
• BBC: Europe’s first Universal theme park coming to UK
• “Dear neighbour“: letter to locals sent 9 April 2025
• Universally Bedford: April 2025 Update – Universal Studios is Coming to Bedford