Universal GB Guide

Universal Studios Great Britain: Everthing We Know So Far

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Universal Studios Great Britain: Everthing We Know So Far

When is Universal Studios Great Britain Opening?

Universal Studios Great Britain, also known as Project Universal UK, is expected to open its gates to the public in 2031.

This highly anticipated theme park will mark Universal Destinations & Experiences’ first major park in Europe, and the excitement surrounding its development is already building momentum across the theme park community and media outlets alike.

The opening timeline, while still tentative, aligns with industry standards for parks of this size and scope. Given the scale of the project, the 2031 launch gives Universal ample time to deliver a world-class entertainment destination.

Where will Universal Studios Great Britain be located?

The future home of Universal Studios Great Britain will be in Bedford, Bedfordshire, in the United Kingdom. Universal has officially purchased a 476-acre site just outside Bedford town center. This site was previously home to brickworks and industrial land, making it a prime location for redevelopment.

Its strategic location in central England puts it within easy reach of London and other major cities like Birmingham and Cambridge, opening the park up to both domestic and international tourists. Proximity to existing transport links and potential rail improvements could make access even more convenient by the time the park opens.

Why Is Universal Building a Theme Park in the UK?

Universal has long eyed international expansion beyond its U.S., Japan, and Beijing parks. The United Kingdom offers a unique opportunity: a strong tourism industry, central access to millions of domestic visitors, and relatively untapped competition compared to Disney’s dominance in mainland Europe.

The Bedfordshire site was likely chosen for its proximity to London, available land, and logistical connections. It also aligns with Universal’s broader strategy to expand its "Destinations & Experiences" division, offering immersive, multi-day resorts.

How Big Will Universal Studios Great Britain Be?

At 476 acres, Universal Studios Great Britain will be one of the largest theme parks in Europe. For comparison:

  • Universal Studios Hollywood - 415 acres
  • Disneyland Paris - 490 acres
  • Alton Towers - 550 acres

Will There Be On-Site Hotels or a Resort?

Current plans include a 500-room hotel located on-site at Universal Studios Great Britain. This hotel is expected to serve as the flagship accommodation option for guests, similar to the resort hotels found at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Japan.

In addition to the hotel, Universal also plans to develop a retail, dining, and entertainment (RDE) complex, likely adjacent to the park’s entrance. This could mirror the successful CityWalk concept found at other Universal destinations.

When is construction beginning?

Construction on Universal Studios Great Britain is expected to begin in 2026, pending planning approval and regulatory review. Universal has already begun early consultations with local authorities, community groups, and development partners.

Early site preparation may start ahead of the formal construction phase, with work expected to accelerate rapidly once the master plan receives full approval. Industry experts predict a multi-phase construction process, with infrastructure, themed lands, hotels, and entertainment districts taking shape over several years.

What will Universal Studios Great Britain look like?

While official layout plans have yet to be released in full, a concept image for Universal Studios Great Britain offers the first glimpse at what visitors can expect when the park opens in 2031.

The concept art reveals a sprawling, immersive resort built around a central lake. Multiple themed lands branch out from the lake.

While this image is only an early representation, it gives fans and future visitors an exciting preview of the scale and ambition of Universal’s first UK theme park.

As new concept art and master plans are released, we’ll be breaking them down right here on Universal GB Guide — helping you explore every land, ride, and pathway long before opening day.

What themed areas or properties will the park include?

As of now, Universal has not made any official announcements regarding the specific themed lands or intellectual properties (IPs) coming to the UK park. However, speculation is rife, and leaks, trademark activity, and insider reports suggest several potential areas and attractions:

  • Jurassic World
  • Minions / Despicable Me
  • Wicked
  • James Bond
  • Paddington Bear

These rumors, while unconfirmed, are grounded in Universal's existing licensing deals, cultural relevance in the UK, and synergy with family-oriented branding.

Is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter coming to Universal Studios Great Britain?

At this time, Harry Potter is not expected to feature at Universal Studios Great Britain. Although Universal holds the theme park rights to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at their parks in the U.S. and Japan, there are complications with Warner Bros. and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Leavesden, located not far from Bedford.

Due to exclusivity agreements and potential competition concerns, insiders believe Universal UK will not include a Wizarding World area. However, this could change in the future depending on licensing negotiations and market demand.