Big news from Universal Destinations & Experiences—Comcast NBCUniversal has officially announced its intent to build the first-ever Universal-branded theme park and resort in Europe, and it’s coming to the United Kingdom.
The all-new destination will be located just south of Bedford, about 35 minutes north of London by train, and will include a theme park, a 500-room hotel, and a retail, dining, and entertainment district. It will be Universal’s first theme park complex in Europe and a major step forward in expanding its global footprint.
According to Universal, the resort will feature several themed lands with the signature thrills, storytelling, and innovation fans have come to expect, offering immersive attractions, high-tech experiences, and a slate of new adventures for visitors from the UK and beyond.
“Bringing the Universal brand to the United Kingdom is another exciting step forward in generating future growth,” said Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences. “Expanding into Europe presents us with a significant opportunity to reach new fans and share the incredible experiences our team creates.”
This project follows more than a year of planning and due diligence and is currently moving toward a formal planning proposal submission. If approved, construction is expected to begin in 2026.
The Bedford location is a strategic one—more than 80% of England’s population lives within a two-hour travel radius, making it ideal for tourism and day trips. The resort will also be easily accessible to international travelers, making it a high-profile addition to Europe’s theme park scene.
This new park will join Universal’s growing list of upcoming destinations, including Universal Epic Universe in Orlando (opening May 2025), Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas, and Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas.
Stay tuned to ThrillGeek on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more updates, concept art, and everything you need to know about Universal’s big move across the pond.
Janine is a theme park and pop culture nerd from an early age. Since 1994, she’s been traversing the theme park world and has enjoyed all things from Halloween events to new ride releases and beyond. When she’s not at a theme park, she’s probably at a concert or doing something fun with her kiddo.