Universal United Kingdom Resort

Universal United Kingdom Resort has been CONFIRMED!

It’s official! Europe's first Universal theme park has a name - Universal United Kingdom Resort - and it's coming to Bedford in 2031.

This news comes after a few years of speculation following Universal’s parent company, Comcast, acquiring almost 500 acres of land in Bedfordshire in 2023.

Previously referred to as Universal Studios Bedford or simply Universal Bedford, the park now has its official identity, and with site preparation works already underway at Kempston Hardwick, things are very much moving forward!

According to current plans this land is set for a resort that includes:

A theme park
A 500-room hotel
A free-to-access entertainment and retail district (think Universal CityWalk)

Universal United Kingdom Resort will be the sixth theme park from Universal Destinations and Experiences, joining those currently in Florida, California, Japan, China, and Singapore.

An artist rendering of a theme park resort

Universal United Kingdom Resort in Numbers

500 written in orange on a blue background

500

The number of rooms in the proposed resort hotel

£50B written in orange on a blue background

£50bn

The direct and indirect economic benefit for the UK

80% written in orange on a blue background

80%

The expected number of employees that will come from in or near Bedfordshire

8,000

The number of new jobs generated once the resort opens

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Universal United Kingdom Resort open?

Universal United Kingdom Resort is currently set to open in 2031, although this is subject to planning permission. Construction is said to be starting in 2026.

Where will Universal United Kingdom Resort be in the UK?

The new Universal theme park will be just south of Bedford town centre. The site is approximately 1 hour’s drive from London and less than 2 hours from Birmingham. It is currently easily accessible by Thameslink, West Midlands Railway, and East Midlands Railway trains, and the plans include transport upgrades, including a new train station near the resort.

What attractions will be at the park?

We don’t know yet what lands or attractions will be in Universal United Kingdom Resort, but there are definitely plenty of films and franchises to choose from! The current Universal theme parks have areas dedicated to Harry Potter, Minions, Nintendo, The Simpsons, Jurassic Park, and more, and we can’t wait to see if these beloved lands and their rides will be coming to the UK or if we’ll be getting all brand-new attractions!

Are tickets on sale for Universal United Kingdom Resort?

Not yet! It will likely be a few years before any tickets go on sale for Universal United Kingdom Resort, but we'll have all the details as soon as they're announced!

Can't wait until 2031?

If you don’t feel like you can wait another six years before experiencing a new Universal theme park, then you’re in luck! The new Universal Epic Universe park opened at Universal Orlando Resort in May 2025, transporting guests to worlds inspired by Harry Potter, How To Train Your Dragon, Universal Monsters, and Nintendo.