Universal United Kingdom Resort
Europe's first Universal theme park is on its way
Please note: this park is not open yet. Universal is building the first Universal theme park in the United Kingdom and in Europe near Bedford, England. The opening is planned for 2031. On this page we set out what Universal and the British government have officially said about it.
What do we know?
On 3 June 2026 the British government and Comcast NBCUniversal announced the name: Universal United Kingdom Resort. According to Universal, there will be:
- a theme park with several themed lands, featuring the stories, attractions and shows Universal is known for;
- a 500-room hotel;
- shops, restaurants and entertainment venues.
Which films and series will feature is not yet known. Universal says it will only announce the attractions and experiences later, as the resort takes shape. So anything you read elsewhere about attractions right now is not official yet.
Where will the park be?
The resort will be built on the site of a former brickworks and the surrounding land at Kempston Hardwick, just south of Bedford. Comcast bought the 476-acre site (around 190 hectares) in 2023. According to Comcast, the park is 35 minutes by train north of London. More than 80 per cent of people in England live within two hours' travel.
The British government is investing in better access. Wixams station will be expanded and there will be direct slip roads on and off the A421, plus improvements to nearby roads.
Location:
Kempston Hardwick, just south of Bedford, about 35 minutes by train from London.
Hotel:
The theme park will have a 500-room hotel, plus shops and restaurants.
The timeline so far
- December 2023: Comcast buys the site near Bedford.
- April 2025: Comcast NBCUniversal announces it wants to build a Universal theme park and resort there.
- 15 December 2025: the British government grants permission through a Special Development Order, in force since 12 January 2026.
- 3 June 2026: the name Universal United Kingdom Resort and its logo are unveiled at 11 Downing Street. Preparatory work on the site has begun.
- 2031: planned opening.
According to the British government, Comcast NBCUniversal is investing more than £5 billion during the roughly five-year construction, plus £1 billion in the first ten years after that. The park is expected to attract millions of visitors a year, including more than a million from abroad.
Coming soon: Universal United Kingdom Resort
What does this mean for you?
For visitors from the Netherlands and Belgium, Universal will soon be a lot closer. At the moment you still have to travel to America or Asia for a Universal theme park. Tickets, prices and opening hours have not been announced yet. As soon as Universal reveals more, we will update this page.
Can't wait? Then read our guides to Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood. Or head to Disneyland Paris, the big resort that is already in Europe.