We know Universal Studios is coming to the UK - but why Bedford?

I've been coming here for nearly 20 years - I know it well and there are so many reasons why it's fab for Universal Studios

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, and if you’re a massive theme park fan, you’ll know that Universal Studios are setting up camp in the UK and honestly, it will be here before we know it.

Despite no official opening date, or even definite year yet (rumours are sitting at 2031 though), plans - minimal but plans nonetheless - are underway.

The land currently looks like any other field at the moment, covered in a rich summery golden crop, but miniature motions are in place. Formal planning applications were submitted this month on July 3, 2025 to build an Entertainment Resort Complex (ERC) on the former brickworks in Kempston Hardwick. The plans include a 32-hectare theme park, a 500-room hotel, and retail, dining, and entertainment venues - eek!

Within these all-important files are notes on height requirements, construction timelines, park operating hours - and new information recently - plans for expansion! There is even a section on future planning… a water park…

Halloween Horror Nights was also mentioned, just saying! 

For those of you who likely don’t know already, I have a substantial connection to Bedford.

I’m Scotland born and bred, but for the last 19 years I’ve been travelling to and from Scotland to the market town to visit family after marrying my Bedford-born husband. I can’t imagine how it feels for locals to hear this exciting news when I even find it odd that people now know where Bedford is. It really is on the map - and will become more so as the years progress.

But why has Universal set its sights on Bedford?

It’s just 30 minutes on a train into central London, has lots of lush land and beautiful lakes and if you have a car, you’re just one speedy ride on the M1 into the capital, or alternatively a (lengthier) M6 journey towards the North and Scotland.

There’s also plenty to see and do in Bedford that most won’t know about - yet! So for holidaymakers already planning ahead to this theme park extravaganza, it’s worth knowing more about why you should stay to see even more.

Priory Country Park

Also known as the marina, this 360 acre park, made up of lakes, meadows and woodland,  is a breath of fresh air. Located in the Newnham area of Bedford alongside the River Great Ouse, it opened in 1986 and it’s perfect for a slow wander away from the hustle and bustle. A walk around the main lake will set you back just 30 minutes and keen birdspotters will love it with an abundance of birds setting up home here. There’s even a hide set up for twitchers to watch feathered friends over the water.

Warmer months bring the ice cream van - my kids have always been a big fan over the years unsurprisingly - and there’s a local pub and restaurant on-site too (mum and dad have unsurprisingly been fans of this) for a bite to eat al fresco. 

Markets

Bedford is first and foremost a market town, meaning of course, there are… markets. Originally known from back in the 12th century as a market and trading town, granted officially by King Henry II, you can still enjoy a traditional take on this nowadays. Bedford continues to be a vibrant market town with weekly and monthly markets, including the Bedford Charter Market held in St Paul's Square.

Tourists looking for the authentic market callers will find them here - and don’t miss the fresh local farm fruit - it’s a true delight.

Bedford Corn Exchange

Whilst it’s far from the dizzying heights of the West End, don’t overlook here for a fabulous show. This events and concert venue located on St Paul's Square in the Castle area of Bedford is located in a stunning Grade II listed building and can hold up to 1000 people in the main hall, with smaller ones available for more intimate viewings, too. With regular comedy shows and festive pantomimes, this will be a busy and popular venue when the tourists start to flock.

The Embankment

If you haven’t visited the marina, then another fabulous way to enjoy the River Ouse is here, surrounded by beautifully-landscaped floral displays and well-maintained trees. On a hot summer’s day stroll you could mistake here for a Parisian walkway - it’s gorgeous! 

The birds love it here as well and there’s no shortage of swans, geese and ducks gently paddling in the water.

There are also significant bridges here. The Suspension Bridge, also known as the Butterfly Bridge, was opened by HRM The King, who was then the HRM Prince of Wales, on June 18, 1998.

There’s also the Town Bridge, known as Bedford Bridge, Abbey Bridge and Boatslide Weir Bridge.

On the Bedford Bridge where I had wedding pics taken 19 years ago!

Butterfly Bridge is beautiful

A bit of a wow moment for Bedford

Fun fact - I had some extra wedding pictures taken a few months after the main event in Scotland, by the Bedford Bridge, and we stayed at The Embankment hotel overlooking the water for an evening’s romance. Hey-hey!

History buffs will love that Bedford’s Castle Mound is also located at the Embankment. Bedford Castle was a large medieval castle in Bedford, built after 1100 by Henry I. It played a prominent part in both the civil war of the Anarchy and the First Barons' War. The castle was significantly extended in stone, and today you can enjoy the grassy area for picturesque shots of the ruins, and a well-deserved rest at neighbouring watering holes. 

Famous faces

Plenty of familiar names have hailed from the Bedford area including sports star Paula Radcliffe, TV presenter Carol Vorderman , singer Tom Grennan and even the late Captain Tom.

Big movies

Bedford already has a claim to fame and many don’t realise. On the outskirts lies the gigantic hangers called Cardington Studios - and there have been a lot of big-name movies filmed here. Batman Begins and Batman the Dark Knight, Star Wars Rogue One and Fantastic Beasts are 2 huge films that have had major scenes filmed at Shed 2 in recent years. The external set built on the front of Shed 2 for Rogue One was huge and Fantastic Beasts removed some of the side wall of Shed 2 to become a dock for a ship.

Interestingly, they were originally built for the construction and maintenance of large airships.

Neighbouring sights to see

If you hire a car there’s plenty around to see. Cambridge is just an hour’s drive away and offers the perfect blend of history, culture and places to eat. Life here is thriving and a true sight to see, from whizzing students on bicycles to the Harry Potter-esque style boutique shops. Don’t miss a spot of punting on the river, a visit to The Fitzwilliam Museum which houses a world-renowned collection of over half a million works of art and the Mathematical bridge - it appears to be an arch, but is composed entirely of straight timbers built to an unusually sophisticated engineering design.

What about those Eurostar plans?

Yep, turning Bedford into a central hub for theme park enthusiasts around the world makes sense, and if rumours are to be believed, this one is a cracker.

International visitors coming to Bedford for a Universal experience can also enjoy all the above mentioned sights, but adding another major theme park into the mix feels right.

For now, there's no direct Eurostar from Bedford to Disneyland Paris, although you can still travel there by train. 

The journey involves taking a train from Bedford to London St. Pancras International, then transferring to a Eurostar train to Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy (Disneyland Paris station). The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 4 hours and 53 minutes. 

But - and I’m praying this turns out to be true - rumour has it plans are in motion for a direct Eurostar route from Bedford to Disneyland Paris station, turning Bedford into a multi-theme park hub.

Watch this space! 

Other nearby theme parks include:

Thorpe Park - 67 miles away

Chessington World of Adventures - 68 miles away

Legoland Windsor - 80 miles away

Alton Towers - 100 miles

Paultons Park home of Peppa Pig World - 141 miles away