Universal Studios set to begin construction in UK in 2026, a major boost for family tourism

Universal Studios is one of those destinations that families, couples and solo travellers dream of visiting at least once in a lifetime. That iconic experience is now set to expand to Europe with the construction of a Universal Studios theme park in Bedford, United Kingdom, a project expected to significantly boost the diversification of family tourism across the continent.

The new park is projected to contribute up to £50 billion to the UK economy, while creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs and increasing annual tourist arrivals beyond the country’s traditional tourism hotspots.

The targets are ambitious: the complex aims to attract 8.5 million visitors per year and generate around 28,000 jobs.

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026 at Kempston Hardwick, under the official name Universal Destinations & Experiences Entertainment Resort Complex.

The development will feature a 500-room hotel resort, along with multiple leisure and entertainment zones. Its goal is to deliver a major transformation of an area previously unrelated to tourism, appealing to visitors of all ages, profiles and nationalities.

Universal Studios Bedford is expected to include some of the most iconic attractions from the US parks, such as Jurassic Park, Jaws and Minions.

The park is anticipated to be completed by 2031, alongside the East West Rail project, which will connect Bedford with Oxford, Cambridge and Milton Keynes, significantly enhancing the destination’s accessibility.