Universal Just Announced Plans to Open Its First European Theme Park—and It’s 60 Miles Outside of London

• Universal will open a new theme park in Bedford, England, by 2031.
• The park will be Universal’s very first European outpost and will have a hotel as well as an expansive dining, shopping, and entertainment complex.
• Details about themed lands haven’t been released yet, but the park expects to welcome 8.5 million visitors in its first year.

Universal’s universe is getting a major European expansion.

The company announced plans to open the very first Universal theme park and resort in the U.K. and Europe. The 476-acre amusement park will be built about 35 miles south of Bedford, England, a small town 60 miles northwest of London. If you’re traveling from the capital, you can get to the park by train in about 35 minutes and by car in about 90 minutes.

“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,” U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement obtained by Travel + Leisure.

It’s currently slated to open in 2031.

The announcement also revealed that the new park will have several themed lands “featuring Universal’s distinct brand of immersive storytelling, thrilling rides, innovative attractions, and exciting entertainment, all utilizing sophisticated and advanced technology.” Plans also include a 500-room hotel and a multi-use complex with retail, dining, and entertainment options. 

While the name and concept of the park haven’t been released yet, an artist rendering depicts an entrance area that looks pretty similar to the original park, Universal Studios Hollywood, with a circular welcome area centered around a globe fountain. There will also be a large lake, with multiple roller coasters and what looks like an amphitheater for shows.

Universal expects the site to have 8.5 million visitors in its first year, which will make it the largest attraction in the U.K. It’s expected to generate 20,000 new jobs during construction, and another 8,000 when it opens.

Though specifics on what franchises and the themed lands haven’t been officially confirmed yet, speculations are running wild. Theories involve the Harry Potter series, The Lord of the Rings, James Bond, and even Paddington. But until the details are confirmed, the focus is on celebrating Universal’s British expansion.

“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.