Time for a major Universal Studios Great Britain update: we have a timescale of construction starting (in 2026). We have an opening year of 2031. We even have Universal Studios Great Britain concept art.
But something VERY noticeable is missing.
The most iconic British book and movie franchise.
No, I am NOT talking about Lord of the Rings.
Potterheads, prepare to be disappointed.
If you were expecting Universal Studios United Kingdom to be home to Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley or the Ministry of Magic, it’s probably not going to happen.
At least not anytime remotely soon.
That’s right, I’ve got some unexciting Universal Studios Great Britain news to share š
This post is all about the most shocking Universal Studios Great Britain update: the lack of Harry Potter attractions.
Universal Studios Great Britain Update
Universal Studios Great Britain
Universal Studios UK has been on the table for some time now (as discussed in my post about Universal Studios Great Britain from last year).
But this week, the Universal Studios breaking news is the UK government ‘promising’ that the UK Universal Studios resort is happening in Kempston Hardwick, Bedfordshire, UK.
But before you start dreaming of Wizarding World land replicas from Universal Studios Florida, Universal Studios Hollywood and Ā Japan, there’s more you should know.
Is there a Harry Potter World in the UK at Universal Studios?
There are currently 2 types of Harry Potter fans living in or near the UK:
- Those who have visited The Wizarding World in Orlando, Hollywood or Japan and wish they didnāt have to travel so far to go back
- Those who have never visited The Wizarding World and wish they could go in the UK/Europe.
Well, Iād like to tell you that todayās your lucky day. After all, Universal Studios Great Britain is officially happening.
One may assume this automatically means a Harry Potter land, attractions, Butterbeer and even a Universal Studios Gringotts Bank!
The BBC heard from a source that Harry Potter will not be included at Universal Studios for a couple main reasons:
- The Universal Studios Bedford location is just 40 minutes away from the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter (where you can explore the sets from the movies). It would be A LOT of Harry Potter within a small area of England (but I’m pretty sure all English Potterheads would be totally fine with that š).
- Contract issues – Warner Bros. owns the Harry Potter movies. Universal Studios has a licensing agreement for the theme park rights, however it appears that Universal Studios can’t just add Harry Potter to Universal Studios United Kingdom. Though this could be subject to change later down the road, when we see Universal Studios Britain park expansions.
Fan Reactions to the News
As youād expect, fans have had strong reactionsāand not the good kind. Many in the Harry Potter community see this as a massive missed opportunity.
After all, what could be more iconic than experiencing the Wizarding World in its homeland?
The Impact on the Success of the Park
Letās talk numbers. A park without Harry Potter in Great Britain is undoubtedly going to miss out on a significant chunk of fan engagement.
Universal Studios Orlando has relied on Harry Potter lands like Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley to drive visitor traffic and revenue in their other parks since the early-mid 2010s.
The Wizarding World has been a giant cash cow for Universal, so it’s hard to imagine Universal Studios Great Britain being as ENORMOUSLY successful without it.
But how much will it really hurt?
After all, the park still has plenty of exciting offerings planned.
According to the BBC, a source close to the project has confirmed that the following IPs can be expected to be present at Universal Studios Great Britain:
- Jurassic Park
- Lord of the Rings
- Paddington
- James Bond
- Minions
- Back to the Future (thought to be a roller coaster attraction).
Of course, these IPS are certainly well-known, and will appeal to a lot of people in the European market.
But when you stack it up against contenders like Disneyland Paris, which boasts a full lineup of instantly recognizable properties, Universal might lose some of its instant appeal without Harry Potter.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Universal Studios Great Britain Update
Is the UK getting a Universal Studios?
Yes, it’s official!
Universal Studios is opening their first European park in England!
Is there a Universal Studios in the UK?
Not yet, but construction is starting on the UK Universal Studios park in 2026.
They currently have 476 acres of land to build on (with the potential to increase to 700 acres).
Is there a Universal Studios in London?
There is not and will not be a Universal Studios in London.
When the park opens in 2031 (assuming all goes to plan), it will be in Bedfordshire, UK.
Universal Studios UK when will it open and how long will it take to build Universal UK?
Here is the current timeline projection:
2026: Universal Studios UK construction to begin.
2031: Universal Studios Great Britain should be opening!
Why did Universal choose Bedford?
The Universal Studios Great Britain location is very strategic.
For its easy access to millions of people in the UK.
Universal Studios Britain will be within a two-hour travel distance for over half of the UK population.
Which UK parks are most likely to suffer as a result of Universal Studios Great Britain opening?
Other amusement parks in the UK are quite likely to see a drop in attendance when Universal Studios Great Britain opens (especially if they’re able to appeal to guests all ages – with a variety of IPS and types of attractions).
For example, these parks may struggle when Universal Studios UK opens:
- Thorpe Park Resort
- Alton Towers
- Chessington World of Adventures Resort
- Paultons Park
- Drayton Manor Resort
- LEGOLAND Windsor Resort
Ta Ta For Now
Universal Studios Great Britain is shaping up to be an amazing addition to the global theme park scene, but its missing pieceāthe Wizarding World of Harry Potterāis impossible to ignore.
With the potential to bring a unique experience to the UK, Universal Studios Great Britain has a lot riding on its shouldersābut whether it can live up to both the hype and expectations remains an open question.
Letās see if Universal Studios Britain will really see 8.5 million visitors in its first year – and if the park turns into a sustainable success!
What do you think about the absence of Harry Potter from the Universal Studios UK resort?
Do you think Universal can find major success in the UK without the ginormous franchise?!
This post was all about the most shocking Universal Studios Great Britain update: the lack of Harry Potter attractions.
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