From record-breaking coasters to high-speed launches, here are our predictions for the best thrill rides coming to Universal Studios Bedford when it opens in the UK.
Universal Studios Bedford is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious theme park projects ever undertaken in Europe, and for thrill seekers the burning question is simple: what rides will get the adrenaline pumping? Drawing on Universal's global portfolio of world-class attractions, the Bedford resort is expected to deliver a lineup that rivals anything currently operating in Orlando, Osaka, or Beijing. While official announcements remain under wraps, we can make some very educated predictions based on planning documents, patent filings, and Universal's established track record of pushing the boundaries of ride technology.
Universal Destinations and Experiences has consistently raised the bar for thrill rides over the past decade. VelociCoaster at Islands of Adventure set a new benchmark for multi-launch coasters with its 155-foot top hat and 70 mph speeds. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit proved that a coaster could be both a spectacle and a genuinely intense experience. If Bedford follows the same philosophy, guests can expect at least two or three headline coasters designed to compete with the best in Europe, alongside a supporting cast of dark rides and motion simulators that deliver thrills in different ways.
The 480-acre Stewartby site provides ample room for large-footprint attractions. Unlike many European parks constrained by limited space, Bedford has the luxury of designing coaster layouts that stretch across the landscape rather than being folded into tight, compact arrangements. This means longer ride times, more varied elements, and the kind of sweeping, cinematic moments that define Universal's best attractions. Expect at least one coaster to feature a significant water element — Universal has repeatedly demonstrated its love of combining speed with splash.
To understand what Bedford might offer, it is worth examining the standout thrill rides across Universal's existing resorts. VelociCoaster remains the crown jewel — a Jurassic World-themed Intamin multi-launch coaster that weaves through raptor paddocks with four inversions and a breathtaking zero-gravity stall over the lagoon. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Studios Florida is a Bolliger and Mabillard vertical-lift coaster that lets riders choose their own soundtrack. The Incredible Hulk Coaster delivers a zero-to-sixty launch into an inversion within three seconds, while Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure blends coaster and dark ride elements across the longest track in Florida.
In Beijing, Universal Studios features the Decepticoaster — a compact Vekoma family boomerang — alongside the park's marquee dark rides. Osaka's Universal Studios Japan boasts The Flying Dinosaur, a B&M flying coaster that consistently ranks among the world's best. Bedford will almost certainly draw inspiration from all of these, potentially bringing a Jurassic World coaster, a high-speed launch coaster, and a family-friendly coaster to cater to different thrill levels. The question is not whether Bedford will have world-class thrill rides, but how many will be ready on opening day.
Universal has been investing heavily in ride technology patents, including advances in magnetic launch systems, on-board audio, real-time animatronic synchronisation, and adaptive ride profiles that adjust intensity based on rider data. Bedford, as the newest park in the portfolio, has the advantage of incorporating the very latest innovations from day one. This could mean coasters with variable speed launches that change between rides, dark ride scenes that respond to the time of day or weather conditions, and queue-line experiences that rival the main attractions themselves.
The integration of physical and digital elements is another area where Bedford could lead. Universal's collaboration with major technology partners has produced attractions like Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, which combines AR goggles with physical sets and real kart movement. Imagine a thrill coaster that overlays augmented reality elements onto the real world as you speed through inversions — it sounds far-fetched, but Universal's patent filings suggest exactly this kind of hybrid experience is in development.
We predict Universal Studios Bedford will open with at least two major thrill coasters: a headline multi-launch coaster in the 60-70 mph range with multiple inversions and near-miss elements, and a high-capacity family thrill coaster accessible to a broader age range. A third coaster — possibly a launched indoor/outdoor hybrid — could complete the opening-day lineup if construction timelines allow. Beyond coasters, expect at least one high-thrill simulator attraction using the latest motion base technology, and a drop tower or similar flat ride to round out the adrenaline offerings. Bedford has every reason to aim for the top of the European thrill ride rankings from day one, and Universal's track record suggests they will deliver exactly that.
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