Puy du Fou, the renowned French theme park celebrated for its immersive historical storytelling, has submitted plans to develop a £600 million (€702) attraction in Oxfordshire, UK. The proposed site, located near Bicester, will focus on historical reconstruction, aiming to bring to life various periods of British history through live performances and period-themed villages.
The development covers approximately 370 acres and includes three themed hotels, landscaped gardens, a wooded park, restaurants, and a conference centre. According to Puy du Fou, the attraction will open in stages starting in 2029, with around 2,000 jobs expected to be created once the park is fully operational.
The development covers approximately 370 acres and is designed to operate seasonally from April to October, with phased openings from the beginning of 2029. The park’s layout includes four period villages, each representing a different era of British history, and 13 live shows that will immerse visitors in historical portrayals. Additionally, the plans feature three themed hotels, landscaped gardens, a wooded park, restaurants, and a conference centre for both leisure and business visitors.
If approved, the project is expected to create around 2,000 direct jobs, with an additional 6,000 positions supported through hospitality services, suppliers, and other local businesses. The economic impact on the local area is estimated to be approximately £500 million (€585) annually.
“Our parks are not plastic stage sets; there are no neon flashing lights or rollercoasters. Everything we do must be real, built using the crafts and materials of the time period they represent, and all set in woodland and beautiful gardens, which become the stage for world-class shows and immersive experiences that bring history to life,” says the Puy du Fou website.
“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,” said Olivier Strebelle, CEO of Puy du Fou.
Environmental considerations are also a priority, with plans for new lakes, gardens, and the planting of more than 5km (3.1 miles) of new hedgerows, along with the creation of 40 acres of wildflower meadows, and the setting of 20,000 trees, which will join the existing woodland to “create the first new 50-acre forest in Cherwell for generations.” The attraction would have the “environment and sustainability at its heart,” Strebelle highlights.
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. The company is known for its focus on live-action shows and historical reconstruction, distinguishing itself from traditional theme parks that often rely on roller coasters and rides. The proposed UK park is set to welcome 550,000 guests in its first year, with numbers projected to rise to around 1.47 million annually once fully developed.
The plans have been submitted to Cherwell District Council, with public consultations having taken place in 2024 and 2025. The development is strategically located near major transport links, including the M40 motorway, facilitating access for visitors from London and other parts of the UK.
“We have only submitted these plans after an extensive consultation, which took over a year and included six in-person events and over 250 individual meetings, all of which have helped to shape our final proposals,” said Strebelle.
As the planning process continues and the exact timeline is yet to be unveiled, the park could soon transform Oxfordshire into a top destination for history and entertainment.
