Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer closed the deal on a new Universal Studios theme park in Bedfordshire, which is set to open in 2031 bringing around 28,000 jobs and thrilling new attractions
With exciting news of a Universal Studios theme park opening in the UK, more details are being uncovered about what the park could bring.
Among the incredible details spotted on a map of the location are a whole host of rides, attractions and immersive storytelling experiences, with three attractions in particular set to bring thrills. The resort in Bedfordshire is due to open in 2031 following an agreement brokered between the American company, the Government and the local council. The attraction will be one of the largest and most advanced theme parks in Europe, with 8.5million visitors expected in its first year.
Universal Studios Bedford: All we know as ‘world class’ theme park comes to UK
By 2055, Universal expects the 476-acre site near Bedford to generate nearly £50billion for the economy, with a 500-room hotel and a retail and entertainment complex planned along with the theme park. Along with the thrilling rides and blockbuster attractions, an array of shops also appear planned for the site selling goods from Universal merchandise to movie memorabillia and fashion inspired by popular films.
But there are three main attractions planned for the park that truly look as though they’ll get visitors’ hearts racing. Below, the Mirror has taken a more detailed look at the attractions.
‘Live volcano’
One of the features in the park that immediately draws the eye of anyone looking at the map is a giant volcano simulation. The jaw-dropping attraction looks set to be one of the park’s most impressive features.
Towering over the landscape, the map appears to show the ‘volcano’ erupting with dramatic burst of steam and “lava” – creating a truly blockbuster experience for guests. Though it’s hard to tell from the concept art maps, the colvano appears to be surrounded by a pool of water in a structure that rises above the park’s skyline.
Situated at the rear of the park, it seems likely that the scale of the structure will make it visible not just from the park’s entrance across the central lake, but across much of the sprawling park.
Rollercoaster over the water
The new conceptual artist rendering of the park appears to show three main outdoor rollercoasters for thrill-seekers to choose from. At the front left of the park, a light blue rollercoaster appears to extend from the back of a building, right out to the park’s edge, with a number of twists and turns, loops and a steep climb.
To the righthand side of the park, a slightly smaller yellow rollercoaster appears, with its track weaving above the rooftops of buildings on the lake’s edge. But one of the most intriguing rollercoasters is a green one, situated nearer the back of the park by the spectacular volcano simulation.
This sprawling rollercoaster appears to loop back on itself several times, soaring above the structure surrounding the ‘volcano’ before dropping into a number of loops. One of the most interesting details of this ride is the protrusion of the track over the water.
A green loop with a ride vehicle is seen jutting out over the water, crossing back over itself and above the heads of those walking on the footpath underneath. While exact details of the rides are yet to be announced, this rollercoaster would bring something different to the park.
Performance stage
If the Florida parks, including those owned by Disney and Universal, are known for one thing that sets them apart from their current British counterparts, it’s the performances. Spectacular fireworks and light displays take place each night across Florida’s numerous theme parks – from Universal Studios, to Disney World, Epcot and more. And it appears the Bedfordshire park will be no exception.
Located on the edge of the lake, a theatre can be seen in the concept art. With lights spilling out from the stage, and amphitheatre-style seating, it seems fair to assume that visitors can expect spectacular performances to take place here. Universal Studios brought back its Cinesational show in November 2024, a 22-minute display combining music, lights, water, fireworks and drone technology to put on a performance for guests to conclude their day of thrills. It’s not yet clear whether the Bedfordshire park will be treated to the same style of show, but if it is, this could well be a base location for it.
‘Still too early’ for specifics
Mike Cavanagh, the president of Universal’s parent company Comcast Corporation, shared a computer-generated image of the park, complete with rides, themed areas and a water show. The company has said it is “still too early” to give specifics on what there could be at the new theme park, but based on the franchises represented in the company’s parks, British fans can expect some blockbuster names.
Universal theme parks have rides dedicated to a wide range of franchises – from newer favourites such as Minions and Kung Fu Panda, to Hollywood classics like ET and Jurassic Park. There are family friendly films represented, such as Shrek, and old-school cartoon classics like Popeye, as well as adrenaline-filled franchises like Fast & Furious. Other Universal franchises include the Jason Bourne films, Jaws, Wicked, and Back To The Future.
The highly anticipated attraction is set to be the first of its kind on British soil, with a host of immersive experiences – from thrilling roller coasters to iconic movie-themed areas. Fans can expect to walk through landscapes inspired by Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and other Universal blockbusters, all crammed into one action-packed destination.
Universal has five entertainment and resort complexes around the world – Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood in the USA, Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, Universal Beijing Resort in China and Universal Studios Singapore. Mr Cavanagh said: “We could not be more excited to take this very important step in our plan to create and deliver an incredible Universal theme park and resort in the heart of the United Kingdom, which complements our growing US-based parks business by expanding our global footprint to Europe.”
