Popular French theme park reveals plans for £600m UK site

A new £600 million theme park is swapping thrill rides for chariot races, medieval sword fights, and Viking invasions - and it could be opening in the UK in four years.

Puy du Fou has announced plans to build a massive new park near Bicester in Oxfordshire, bringing its unique brand of immersive, history-themed attractions across the Channel.

Forget high-thrill rides and classic coasters – this park will allow visitors to step back in time and witness centuries of history brought to life, including gladiator tournaments and Viking invasions.

Already a hit in France and Spain, Puy du Fou parks draw millions of visitors each year with its spectacular live shows, recreated period villages and jaw-dropping special effects.

The company submitted an outline planning application to Cherwell District Council on 1 September, with hopes to open the UK location in stages starting from 2029.

Guests will be able to explore four fully recreated period villages - each designed around a different era in British history.

There will be 13 live shows each day, ranging from theatrical performances to musketeer battles.

The park also plans to build three themed hotels, each styled to reflect a different historical period, along with a large conference centre.

To blend in with the surrounding natural landscape, the park will feature 40 acres of wildflower meadows, lakes and more than 20,000 planted trees.

According to its UK website, Puy du Fou also says it's committed to sustainability, with a strong focus on preserving nature and encouraging the use of public transport.

It aims for at least half of visitors to arrive without using cars, with a free shuttle bus running between the park and nearby train stations.

The UK site is expected to generate around 2,000 direct jobs, plus another 6,000 through local hospitality and services - which is set to boost the local economy by up to £500 million.

Olivier Strebelle, CEO of Puy du Fou, said the decision to submit plans came after more than a year of public consultation, including six in-person events and over 250 meetings with local stakeholders.

In a statement shared by Time Out, he added: 'We have wanted to come to the UK for many years.

'Britain has such a rich, colourful and exciting history, and the site we have chosen near Bicester is the ideal location to create a world-class destination that will bring that history to life.'

Meanwhile, new pictures have been revealed of work starting on the UK's first Universal Studios theme park.

Universal Resort Bedford is hoping to bring in 8.5 million visitors in its first year alone - after it opens its gates in 2031.

Spanning 476 acres, the attraction will be one of the largest and most advanced theme parks in Europe, with a 500-room hotel and a retail and entertainment complex planned along with the theme park.

Sir Keir Starmer has also said Universal 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 - and expects the park to generate nearly £50 billion for the economy by 2055.

And Project Universal has taken a drone over Broadmead Farm in Bedford, where the new Bedfordshire resort is due to be built.