Historic Oxfordshire to welcome a €702 million French-style history attraction, courtesy of Puy du Fou.
Puy du Fou Announces Plans for £600 Million Theme Park in Oxfordshire
Puy du Fou, the renowned French theme park known for its immersive historical storytelling, has proposed a new attraction in Oxfordshire, UK. If approved, the project is set to create an estimated 8,000 jobs and generate an annual economic impact of approximately £500 million (€585 million).
The proposed park, located near Bicester and covering approximately 370 acres, will be strategically situated near major transport links, including the M40 motorway, facilitating access for visitors from London and other parts of the UK.
The environmental focus of the park is a key aspect of the plans, with the aim to create the first new 50-acre forest in Cherwell for generations. The development includes the creation of new lakes, gardens, and 5km (3.1 miles) of new hedgerows, along with 40 acres of wildflower meadows and the setting of 20,000 trees.
The park will feature four period villages, each representing a different era of British history, and 13 live shows. These shows, along with the park's focus on live-action performances and historical reconstruction, distinguish it from traditional theme parks that often rely on roller coasters and rides.
According to Puy du Fou, everything in the park must be real, built using the crafts and materials of the time period they represent. The development also includes three themed hotels, landscaped gardens, a wooded park, restaurants, and a conference centre.
Public consultations have taken place in 2024 and 2025 as part of the planning process for the park. The planning for the park has so far been approved by the local district council, and the final decision from the planning authority is expected in late 2023.
If approved, the park is expected to welcome 550,000 guests in its first year, with numbers projected to rise to around 1.47 million annually once fully developed. The park's development includes six in-person events and over 250 individual meetings, all of which have helped to shape the final proposals.
Puy du Fou's UK venture follows the success of its original park in Les Epesses, France, and its expansion in 2021 in Toledo, Spain. If the project is approved, the park could soon transform Oxfordshire into a top destination for history and entertainment.
In addition to the direct jobs created by the park, an estimated 6,000 positions will be created through hospitality services, suppliers, and other local businesses. The park's focus on historical reconstruction and live performances is expected to provide a unique and engaging experience for visitors, potentially attracting tourists from around the world.
In summary, Puy du Fou's proposed theme park in Oxfordshire promises to be a significant development for the region, offering a new and immersive way to explore British history while creating thousands of jobs and generating substantial economic benefits. The final decision on the project is expected later this year.
Read also:
- chaos unveiled on Clowning Street: week 63's antics from 'Two-Tier Keir' and his chaotic Labour Circus
- Racing ahead in Renewable Energy Dominance: Changzhou, Jiangsu Pushes for Worldwide Renewable Energy Ascendancy
- Feeling disoriented or perplexed.
- The potential consequences of the European Union's Clean Hydrogen strategy in relation to exacerbating our global climate emergency.
