Universal Studios confirms plans to open theme park in England

Universal Studios is exploring plans to open its first UK theme park after acquiring a huge area of land near Bedford.

The US film studio, which is behind movies including Jurassic Park and Jaws, said it was in the early stages of planning a resort for the site.

Universal currently runs theme parks in the US, China, Singapore and Japan.

Its flagship park is in Florida in the US, where its studios are based, and features rides based on franchises including Harry Potter, the Simpsons, Transformers and Fast and Furious.

The company is yet to decide on the films which could inspire rides at a potential UK location.

A Universal Destinations and Experiences spokesperson said: "We recently acquired land in Bedford and are at the early stages of exploring its feasibility for a potential park and resort at this site.

"It will be many months before we are ready to make a decision to proceed and we look forward to engaging with all relevant stakeholders and the local community."

It is understood Universal sees the UK as an attractive destination due to its strong tourism industry and proximity to other parts of Europe.

Bedford is under a two-hour journey for more than half of the UK population and is 45 minutes from London.