The highly anticipated theme park set to be built in Bedfordshire, UK, is shaping up to be a major attraction in the coming years, with a range of iconic brands lined up to feature in the park’s upcoming attractions.
Among the notable names confirmed for the park are James Bond, Paddington Bear, and the Lord of the Rings franchise, according to information.
These iconic figures will help shape the park’s theme and design, contributing to what is expected to be a unique visitor experience.
However, one major franchise that will not be included in the park’s initial offerings is the Harry Potter series, despite its popularity across Universal’s other locations.
Universal Destinations has been careful not to disclose specific details about the attractions at the park yet. In a statement on their website, the company clarified that “it is too early” to provide a complete list of the rides and attractions that will be featured at the site.
As such, the theme park remains shrouded in some secrecy, but plans are already underway. The site at Kempston Hardwick, Bedfordshire, is expected to begin construction next year, pending planning permission.
Although it’s clear that the groundwork for the park is moving forward, the park itself is not expected to open until 2031, which means that some details and plans could change over time.
Despite these uncertainties, a source close to the project has expressed confidence that the key elements of the park’s design are set in stone.
According to the source, contracts for the project have already been signed, and while there may be minor adjustments, the overall framework of the park is unlikely to undergo major changes.
The focus will likely shift toward fine-tuning the details, such as adjusting the design of specific rides or altering color schemes. For instance, they mentioned that tweaks such as “using a different shade of paint on that Lord of the Rings castle” could still occur as the final designs are completed.
The park will feature several themed zones inspired by some of Universal’s most beloved properties. In addition to James Bond, Paddington, and Lord of the Rings, there will be attractions based on Back to the Future, Jurassic Park, and Minions.
These themed areas will allow visitors to experience the worlds of these iconic franchises in an immersive way, with the promise of both indoor and outdoor attractions.
While rollercoasters based on Back to the Future, Jurassic Park, and Minions will be among the few outdoor rides, the majority of the park’s attractions are expected to be indoors.
This approach is similar to Universal’s Epic Universe theme park currently under construction in Florida, where many of the attractions are designed to be contained within large, air-conditioned spaces.
A major highlight of the park will be a stunt show based on James Bond, designed to provide visitors with an exciting, action-packed experience.
The stunt show will be similar in style to The Bourne Stuntacular in Florida, offering dynamic performances and thrilling set pieces.
Visitors will be able to witness some of the iconic stunts that have made James Bond films so famous, bringing the world of espionage and action to life in a new and exciting way.
This attraction is just one example of how Universal intends to bring its diverse range of film franchises to the park, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy.
In an interview with BBC Breakfast, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy praised the park as a platform for showcasing “great British creations to the world.”
Nandy specifically mentioned brands like James Bond, Paddington Bear, and even Harry Potter as examples of British cultural exports that have gained international recognition.
These brands, along with the other attractions featured in the park, will help celebrate the UK’s creative industries and offer a unique experience that combines British heritage with global appeal.
However, the Harry Potter-themed area will not be part of the park, as it is located just 40 minutes away from the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Leavesden, Hertfordshire.
Despite its global popularity, Harry Potter will not feature in the Bedfordshire theme park due to “watertight exclusivity contracts” with Warner Bros., which holds the UK rights to the Harry Potter attractions.
These exclusivity agreements have made it difficult for Universal to include Harry Potter in the park’s lineup. However, the source indicated that while this restriction currently stands, there may be opportunities for future expansions, where franchises such as Harry Potter, Nintendo, or Wicked could be considered if the park were to grow in the years to come.
For now, Warner Bros. retains exclusive control over the Harry Potter brand in the UK, which limits the scope of what Universal can include.
The Harry Potter franchise may be absent, but the decision to focus on other British and international franchises will allow Universal to highlight a different aspect of British pop culture, showcasing a mix of beloved classics and contemporary favorites.
Other than the cinematic attractions, the park will have its own unique charm, drawing inspiration from classic movies, books, and characters that have stood the test of time.
Universal’s ability to incorporate such a diverse range of brands suggests that the park will cater to a wide variety of tastes and interests, appealing to fans of action, adventure, fantasy, and family-friendly entertainment.
Universal Destinations is expecting the Bedfordshire park to attract around 8.5 million visitors annually, making it a major draw for both domestic and international tourists.
Given the scale of the project, significant improvements to local transport links will be necessary to accommodate the increased traffic.
The government has expressed its commitment to enhancing these transport connections, ensuring that visitors can easily reach the park from nearby areas.
Universal has previously described the site as an “ideal location,” citing its proximity to London and London Luton Airport as key factors in its decision to build the park in Bedfordshire.
The local community is also enthusiastic about the potential benefits of the new theme park. Tom Wootton, the Conservative mayor of Bedford, has expressed pride in the area being chosen as the site for Universal’s first UK theme park.
Wootton noted that Bedford is “well-connected” and has a wealth of talent ready to contribute to the success of the park.
The development of the theme park is expected to boost local employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the region, benefiting both residents and the wider community.
Luton Airport, located not far from the site, is also preparing for an influx of visitors to the theme park. The airport is planning a significant expansion, aiming to double its annual passenger numbers to 32 million by 2043.
This expansion, approved by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, will further enhance Luton’s status as a major transport hub for visitors traveling to the theme park.
For those flying into Luton, the nearby Luton Airport Parkway station will provide direct rail access to Wixams, the closest station to the park. Universal plans to upgrade the station, potentially adding more platforms to meet the expected demand from visitors.
In addition to rail improvements, the park will feature a large car park, which can be accessed via the A421 road. The A421 was closed last year after flooding caused significant disruption, but plans are already in place to upgrade the road, including the installation of new slip roads to accommodate the expected influx of visitors.
These transport improvements will ensure that both public transport and car access to the park are as efficient as possible, making it easier for visitors to reach their destination and enjoy all that the theme park has to offer.
The construction and operational planning for the Bedfordshire theme park are moving forward at a fast pace, with the site set to become a major destination for entertainment and tourism in the UK.
As the park continues to take shape, it will offer a unique blend of British cultural icons, beloved cinematic franchises, and world-class attractions.
Whether it’s the thrill of rollercoasters based on Back to the Future or the immersive experiences tied to James Bond and Paddington Bear, the park is poised to become an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
With its strategic location, diverse offerings, and state-of-the-art facilities, the Universal theme park in Bedfordshire promises to be a groundbreaking addition to the UK’s entertainment landscape.
