UK UNIVERSAL STUDIOS THEME PARK TO FEATURE LORD OF THE RINGS RIDES AND HOBBIT PUB
Universal Studios' hotly anticipated first UK theme park is expected to have a Lord of the Rings section with a Gandalf ride that is sure to bring joy to any Hobbit. Fans of the JRR Tolkien's fantasy novels will be delighted by the news as excitement builds for the mega park set to be delivered in 2031.
Ministers gave the multi-million pound project the green light last week as a site was secured in Bedfordshire for the attraction predicted to draw huge numbers of tourists. Universal Studios has logged a number of trademarks for use in the UK, including JRR Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and its universe Middle-earth.
The theme park's 2031 deadline will come 30 years after the first of Peter Jackson's iconic big screen adaptions was released. There are rumours attractions could include a Gandalf rollercoaster and a recreation of the Shire, featuring the Green Dragon Inn and the homes of Hobbits Bilbo and Frodo Baggins.
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A source told the Sun: “It’s really exciting. Lord of the Rings is a classic and by happy chance the park is due to open on the 30th anniversary of the release of The Fellowship of the Ring.
“JRR Tolkien’s world is so immersive and magical the possibilities really are endless when it comes to the options on the table.”
The agreement to build the park between Universal, the government and the local council was finalised last Tuesday and is expected to rake in £50billion for the UK economy. As well as the new theme park, the 476 acre site will boast a retail and entertainment complex as well as a new hotel and expects to attract 8.5 million visitors within the first year.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer backed the plans, saying the attraction will create around 28,000 jobs – 20,000 in the construction period and 8,000 working on the site when it opens to visitors in 2031.
He said: “It is not just about numbers; it's about securing real opportunities for people in our country.
"Together, we are building a brighter future for the UK, getting people into work and ensuring our economy remains strong and competitive."
New railway and transport links are to be built around the new park after UK ministers made promises to make sure the investment will be easily accessible for visitors.
The project ties in with other work around the Oxford-Cambridge corridor, including support for the expansion of Luton Airport with Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the investment is "a vote of confidence in Britain as a place to do business".
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2025-04-17T09:44:09Z