Universal Unveils Name for UK Theme Park, $1.5 billion in Government Funding

Claudette Covey
by Claudette Covey
Last updated: 2:20 PM ET, Wed June 3, 2026
Universal U.K. Park Name Confirmed Amid Government Financial Pledge

The park is slated to open in 2031. (Source: Universal)

Plans are rapidly solidifying for Universal’s U.K. theme park, with the attraction now officially named Universal United Kingdom Resort, along with government funding of approximately $1.5 billion.

“The government’s contribution will go towards upgrading local infrastructure and transport links to help accommodate visitors from across the U.K. and overseas,” according to a BBC story.

For its part, Universal will invest approximately $5.8 billion to construct the resort, which is scheduled to debut in 2031, and an additional $1.1 billion during its first 10 years of operation.

In 2023, Universal’s parent company, Comcast NBCUniversal, purchased a 476-acre property outside of Bedford in the U.K., and in September 2025, it filed a trademark application for the name with the U.K.’s Intellectual Property Office.

Universal United Kingdom Resort is predicted to attract 8.5 million visitors annually at its debut, with the number rising to 12 million annually within its first 20 years of operation, said Comcast NBCUniversal, which owns Universal Studios.

The park will include a retail and entertainment area, which can be accessed with a ticket, in addition to “immersive storytelling, thrilling attractions and unparalleled creativity and innovation to the UK,” said Mark Woodbury, chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences.

“This new theme park and resort will create so many new opportunities for the people of Bedford and beyond and allow us to share our distinct experiences with guests from around the world,” he said.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Unveiling Oceania Cruises’ New Voyages, Plus Caribbean GetawaysWednesday, June 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
This exclusive webinar will showcase what’s new, what’s next, and how these immersive itineraries are...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover Houston, A World in a CityMonday, June 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Visit Houston for an inside look at one of the country’s most dynamic and diverse destinations....
Upcoming Webinar
Unveiling Oceania Cruises’ New Voyages, Plus Caribbean GetawaysWednesday, June 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
This exclusive webinar will showcase what’s new, what’s next, and how these immersive itineraries are...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover Houston, A World in a CityMonday, June 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Visit Houston for an inside look at one of the country’s most dynamic and diverse destinations....