Iconic franchises including James Bond, Paddington Bear and Lord of the Rings will feature prominently at Universal’s new UK theme park in Bedford, according to the BBC.
A source close to the Universal UK project has revealed exclusive details about the attractions planned for the Bedfordshire site, while confirming that Harry Potter-themed rides are not expected to be included.
Despite Universal claiming on its website that “it is too early” to know what attractions will be at the park, the BBC’s source insists that contracts have been signed for several major franchises.
“At this point it will be little details they tweak, like ‘Let’s use a different shade of paint on that Lord of the Rings castle’,” according to the source.
Construction at Kempston Hardwick is expected to begin next year, pending planning permission, with the theme park scheduled to open in 2031.
Unique Attractions Planned
The park aims to provide distinct experiences not found at other Universal destinations, with themed zones and rides inspired by Back to the Future, Jurassic Park and Minions. Indeed, buildings reminiscent of Jurassic Park can already be spotted in concept art shared by Universal.
Most attractions will be indoor experiences, though rollercoasters based on Back to the Future, Jurassic Park and Minions will be among the few outdoor rides. A James Bond stunt show, similar to The Bourne Stuntacular in Florida, is also planned.
“If you look at Epic Universe, the newest park they’re opening in Florida, a lot of those rides are indoors, too,” the source explained.
No Hogwarts in Sight
Notably absent from the plans is any Harry Potter-themed area, despite Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy telling BBC Breakfast that the theme park would showcase “great British creations to the world,” including “James Bond, Paddington Bear, these are things like Harry Potter.”
Watertight exclusivity contracts make it difficult to include Hogwarts in the plans, as the park is located just a 40-minute drive from the Warner Bros Studio Tour in Leavesden, Hertfordshire.
“Warner Bros has the UK rights to Harry Potter attractions. They tried to find a way round it but couldn’t. That could change in years to come, though,” the source revealed, adding that other brands such as Nintendo or Wicked could be considered if the park expands in the future.
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Infrastructure Improvements
Visitors flying into Luton Airport, which recently received approval to double annual passenger numbers to 32 million by 2043, could travel to the park via Wixams station on the Midland Main Line.
Universal has committed to upgrading the station, potentially with additional platforms, to accommodate visitor demand. The company also plans to install new slip roads on the A421 to manage increased traffic.
The East West Rail line, currently under construction to connect Oxford and Cambridge, is expected to include a new railway station near the park, though the full line may not be operational until the 2030s. Subscribe to AirMagique for more news and updates.
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