French theme park company, Puy Du Fou, has submitted plans for a £600 million medieval-inspired park, to be built in Bicester on the edge of the Cotswolds.
The estimated 1.47 million annual visitors will be able to explore four village areas inspired by different historical periods, experience an array of live shows and historical recreations and stay in three different British history-themed hotels.
Following a lengthy public consultation process with Bicester residents and businesses, plans also include the creation of 2,000 new jobs and the employment of 6,000 existing suppliers for its planned hotels and restaurants.
The immersive park could open as soon as 2029, if plans are approved.
Puy Du Fou has also committed to contributing to the existing natural environment by planting over five acres of new hedgerows, four acres of wildflower meadows and 20,000 trees.
Plans for the theme park were first revealed in July 2024, with consultations taking place in February 2025.
Puy du Fou has operated a theme park in France since 1978 and opened its second park in Spain in 2021.
Its parks are known for their recreations of historical events, periods and figures, while differing from traditional theme parks with a lack of rollercoasters and rides, in favour of stunt performers and pyrotechnics.
Following the consultation, a number of concerns were raised by Bicester residents, who believe the park will cause noise and light pollution, disturbing both residents and local wildlife.
Potential risks noted at the consultation included flooding, the destruction of possible heritage sites following the discovery of dinosaur footprints in Ardley and reports of great crested newts being found on the proposed site.
The theme park could, however, bring in an estimated '£500 million a year boost to the local and regional economy', if plans are passed.
