Universal Studios Great Britain: Avonmouth

*Universal Studios Great Britain: Avonmouth, often shortened to Universal Avonmouth*, is a theme park resort located in Avonmouth, Bristol, England. Opened in the spring of 2024, the resort represents Universal Destinations & Experiences' first foray into the United Kingdom, and stands as one of the largest theme parks in Europe. Designed to be a year-round destination, Universal Avonmouth distinguishes itself through its unique blend of globally recognized intellectual properties and distinctly British and European cultural influences, all while accounting for the famously variable British weather.

Overview

Conceived as a direct competitor to established UK theme park destinations and Disneyland Paris, Universal Avonmouth spans over 250 acres, encompassing five distinct themed lands, a central welcome area, and extensive back-of-house facilities. The park's design philosophy emphasizes immersive environments, aiming to transport guests into the worlds of their favourite stories. Unlike many theme parks which are heavily reliant on outdoor experiences, Universal Avonmouth has been strategically designed with a high proportion of indoor attractions and covered walkways, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of British weather. Many queues are indoors or under substantial canopies, and shows and rides are predominantly housed within large, climate-controlled buildings. This focus on weatherproofing ensures a comfortable experience for guests regardless of the season or weather conditions.

The resort's location in Avonmouth, a port town at the mouth of the River Avon, provides excellent transport links, being situated close to the M5 motorway, Bristol Airport, and having its own dedicated railway station, Avonmouth Universal. The area's industrial heritage has also been subtly woven into the park's backstory and aesthetic, with hints of Victorian engineering and maritime history appearing in certain themed lands and architectural details.

Universal Avonmouth boasts a diverse range of attractions, including state-of-the-art roller coasters, immersive dark rides, live shows, and interactive experiences. Dining options are equally varied, ranging from quick-service eateries to table-service restaurants, all themed to their respective lands and offering a mix of British, European, and international cuisine. Merchandise locations throughout the park sell exclusive items related to the park's intellectual properties and unique creations. The park employs thousands of 'Cast Members', a term adopted from other Universal parks, who are trained to provide exceptional guest service and enhance the immersive experience through character interactions and themed roles. Since its opening, Universal Avonmouth has garnered significant acclaim for its high production values, innovative ride technology, and commitment to guest experience, quickly establishing itself as a leading European theme park destination.

Lands of Avonmouth

Universal Studios Great Britain: Avonmouth is meticulously divided into six distinct and fully immersive lands, each offering a unique thematic experience and a variety of attractions, dining, and shopping opportunities. These lands are accessed from the central Grand Excelsior Plaza, creating a hub-and-spoke layout that encourages exploration and discovery.

The Grand Excelsior Plaza

The Grand Excelsior Plaza serves as the grand entrance and central hub of Universal Studios Great Britain: Avonmouth. Evoking the spirit of a bustling Edwardian-era London square, the Plaza is a meticulously detailed environment designed to immediately transport guests to a bygone era of British elegance and adventure. Cobblestone streets, ornate gas lamps (now electric but designed to resemble gas lighting), and meticulously crafted building facades line the square, creating a sense of stepping into a living, breathing city. Architecture draws inspiration from iconic London landmarks, such as the Regent Street Quadrant and the Burlington Arcade, with shopfronts displaying a rich variety of goods and services. The colour palette is dominated by warm, inviting tones of brick red, cream, and dark green, accented with gold leaf detailing and polished brass.

At the heart of the Plaza stands the magnificent Grand Excelsior Hotel, a fictional grand hotel of the early 20th century, though only the facade is visible to guests within the park. The hotel's imposing architecture and prominent signage, featuring the park's logo and opening year, act as a central landmark and photo opportunity. In front of the hotel, a large, elaborately sculpted fountain depicts mythical British creatures such as unicorns and griffins, further establishing the park's blend of reality and fantasy. Throughout the day, street performers dressed in period costumes, such as newsboys, chimney sweeps, and suffragettes, roam the Plaza, interacting with guests and providing spontaneous entertainment. Live musicians, often a brass band or string quartet, regularly perform in the Plaza's central bandstand, adding to the atmosphere of refined Edwardian entertainment.

The Grand Excelsior Plaza is not merely a transitional space but a destination in itself, offering a range of dining and retail experiences. The Criterion Restaurant, a grand table-service establishment, serves classic British cuisine with a modern twist in an opulent dining room reminiscent of the Ritz Restaurant. The Penny Farthing Pub provides a more casual setting, offering traditional pub fare, local ales, and live folk music in the evenings. For quick bites, Mrs. Miggins' Pie Shop offers a variety of savoury and sweet pies, while The Scoopsmith Parlour serves handcrafted ice cream and other frozen treats. Retail locations in the Plaza include The Curio Cabinet, a shop selling unique souvenirs and collectibles themed to the Plaza and the park as a whole, The Stationer's Emporium, offering personalized stationery and writing accessories, and Professor Phileas Fogg's Explorer's Outfitters, selling adventure-themed apparel and gear.

While the Grand Excelsior Plaza lacks major rides, it features several smaller attractions and interactive elements. The Excelsior Automata Arcade is a covered arcade filled with vintage-style mechanical games and fortune-telling machines, providing old-fashioned entertainment. The Plaza Gardens, located behind the Grand Excelsior Hotel facade, offer a tranquil green space for guests to relax and escape the bustling crowds. These gardens are meticulously landscaped and feature seasonal floral displays, providing a picturesque backdrop. The Plaza also serves as the location for the park's daily opening ceremony and evening fireworks spectacular, "Excelsior Illuminations," which projects stunning visuals onto the Grand Excelsior Hotel facade and utilizes pyrotechnics, water effects, and lasers to create a breathtaking finale to the day. The Grand Excelsior Plaza sets the tone for the entire park, establishing a sense of quality, immersion, and uniquely British charm that pervades the Universal Avonmouth experience.

Grimmsborough

Venturing from the refined elegance of the Grand Excelsior Plaza, guests can step into the shadowy, atmospheric world of Grimmsborough. This land is dedicated to the iconic Universal Monsters, reimagined within a distinctly British Gothic setting. Grimmsborough is designed as a perpetually twilight village nestled amidst a foreboding moorland, perpetually shrouded in mist and mystery. The architecture draws heavily from Victorian-era Hammer Horror films and classic gothic literature, featuring crooked timber-framed houses, imposing stone churches with gargoyle detailing, and a looming, craggy castle perched atop a hill overlooking the village. The colour palette is dominated by muted greys, deep greens, and blood reds, creating a chilling and unsettling atmosphere. Soundscapes in Grimmsborough are carefully crafted to enhance the sense of unease, featuring the distant howl of wolves, creaking doors, and eerie organ music drifting from the church.

The central landmark of Grimmsborough is Castle Grimmsborough, a imposing fortress inspired by classic gothic castles like Corfe Castle and Tintagel Castle. While not a ride itself, the castle houses several attractions and serves as the visual anchor for the entire land. Within the castle walls, guests can experience Frankenstein's Folly, a thrilling indoor roller coaster that plunges riders through the dark and stormy laboratory of Dr. Frankenstein, encountering his monstrous creation along the way. The ride utilizes cutting-edge animatronics and special effects to bring the classic tale to life with terrifying realism. Another major attraction within the castle is Dracula's Lair, a walk-through experience that takes guests deep into the labyrinthine chambers of Dracula's ancient castle. This attraction blends live actors, detailed sets, and immersive storytelling to create a truly chilling encounter with the Lord of the Vampires.

Beyond the castle, Grimmsborough village offers further attractions. The Werewolf's Howl is a spinning flat ride themed to the lycanthropic curse, sending guests whirling through a moonlit forest as werewolves stalk from the shadows. The Mummy's Tomb is a dark ride adventure that transports guests to an Egyptian crypt discovered beneath Grimmsborough Moor, where they must evade the wrath of the ancient Mummy and his cursed treasures. This ride combines classic dark ride elements with motion-based vehicles and stunning visual effects. For younger guests, Igor's Playground provides a spooky but safe play area themed to Frankenstein's loyal assistant, featuring slides, climbing structures, and interactive elements designed to resemble laboratory equipment.

Dining in Grimmsborough continues the land's gothic theme. The Black Cat Tavern is a dimly lit pub serving hearty, traditional British fare with a sinister twist, such as "Bat Wing" chicken wings and "Wolfsbane" stew. The Coffin Cafe offers coffee, pastries, and other snacks in a crypt-like setting, complete with faux coffins and eerie decor. For a sweet treat, The Spiderweb Sweet Shop sells gothic-themed confectionery, including spiderweb lollipops and "blood clot" jellies. Retail locations in Grimmsborough include The Curiosity Shoppe, selling macabre souvenirs, gothic clothing, and monster-themed merchandise, and The Apothecary, offering herbal remedies, potions (non-consumable), and unique fragrances inspired by the Universal Monsters. Grimmsborough provides a thrilling and atmospheric experience for guests seeking a darker, more sinister side of entertainment, offering a unique take on the Universal Monsters within a captivating British gothic setting.

Mushroom Kingdom

In stark contrast to the shadowy depths of Grimmsborough, the Mushroom Kingdom bursts with vibrant colour and whimsical charm. This land is dedicated to the world of Super Mario, bringing the iconic video game franchise to life in a fully immersive and interactive environment. The Mushroom Kingdom is designed as a faithful recreation of the games' colourful landscapes, featuring rolling green hills, towering candy cane trees, and whimsical, cartoonish architecture. Giant mushrooms dot the landscape, and familiar elements from the games, such as warp pipes, question mark blocks, and Piranha Plants, are integrated throughout the land. The colour palette is dominated by bright primary colours – reds, greens, blues, and yellows – creating a cheerful and energetic atmosphere. Upbeat, familiar music from the Super Mario games plays throughout the land, further enhancing the sense of immersion.

The central landmark of the Mushroom Kingdom is Peach's Castle, a faithfully recreated version of the iconic pink castle from the games. While not a ride itself, the castle serves as a visual centerpiece and houses the entrance to Mario Kart: Avonmouth Grand Prix, a thrilling racing simulator ride that puts guests behind the wheel of a Mario Kart. Utilizing augmented reality technology and motion-based vehicles, this ride allows guests to race through iconic Mario Kart tracks, dodging obstacles, collecting power-ups, and competing against other riders. Another major attraction within Peach's Castle is Adventures with Princess Peach, a stage show featuring animatronic characters and live performers that tells an original story set within the Mushroom Kingdom, filled with music, humour, and audience interaction.

Beyond Peach's Castle, the Mushroom Kingdom offers further attractions and interactive experiences. Yoshi's Adventure is a family-friendly dark ride that takes guests on a gentle journey through the Mushroom Kingdom aboard colourful Yoshi characters, encountering familiar characters and scenes from the games. Bowser's Fury is a thrilling dark ride that plunges guests into Bowser's volcanic fortress, where they must help Mario defeat the King of the Koopas in a climactic battle. This ride utilizes large-scale animatronics, projection mapping, and special effects to create a truly immersive and intense experience. Toadstool Tour is an interactive walk-through attraction where guests can explore Toad's house and garden, completing mini-games and interacting with animatronic Toads and other Mushroom Kingdom residents. Scattered throughout the land are interactive play areas, such as Goomba Gallop, a bouncy castle-style play area, and Piranha Plant Panic, a water play area featuring playful Piranha Plants that spray water.

Dining in the Mushroom Kingdom is themed to the whimsical and colourful world of Super Mario. Toadstool Cafe is a quick-service restaurant serving Mushroom Kingdom-themed dishes, such as "Super Mushroom" burgers and "Fire Flower" pizzas. Yoshi's Snack Island offers lighter fare, such as fruit salads, yogurt parfaits, and colourful ice cream cones. For a sweet treat, Princess Peach's Sweet Boutique sells a variety of colourful candies, cookies, and cakes shaped like Mushroom Kingdom characters and items. Retail locations in the Mushroom Kingdom include 1-Up Factory, selling Mario-themed apparel, toys, and collectibles, and Coin Block Bazaar, offering smaller souvenirs and novelty items. The Mushroom Kingdom provides a vibrant, joyful, and interactive experience for guests of all ages, bringing the beloved world of Super Mario to life with incredible detail and immersive attractions.

The Wizarding Enclaves of Albion

Moving from the fantastical Mushroom Kingdom, guests can enter the enchanting realm of The Wizarding Enclaves of Albion. This land, inspired by the Harry Potter universe, is not a direct recreation of existing locations but rather an expansion of the wizarding world, exploring lesser-known magical communities and settings within Great Britain and Ireland. The Wizarding Enclaves of Albion is designed as a collection of interconnected magical villages and hamlets, each with its own distinct character and atmosphere, nestled within a picturesque, rolling countryside reminiscent of the Cotswolds or the Scottish Highlands. Architecture draws inspiration from traditional British vernacular styles, featuring thatched cottages, stone farmhouses, and quaint village squares. The colour palette is dominated by earthy tones of greens, browns, and greys, accented with pops of colour from vibrant flower gardens and magical signage. Ambient sounds include the gentle chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, and distant magical sounds, creating a sense of peaceful enchantment.

The central area of the Wizarding Enclaves is Hogsmeade North, a charming wizarding village inspired by but distinct from the Hogsmeade seen in other parks. Hogsmeade North features snow-capped rooftops year-round (a special effect achieved through advanced cooling technology and artificial snow), creating a perpetually festive atmosphere. Here, guests can experience Dragonfire Challenge, a thrilling roller coaster that sends riders soaring through the skies above the Scottish Highlands on the back of a Hungarian Horntail dragon, encountering magical creatures and breathtaking views along the way. Another major attraction in Hogsmeade North is The Ministry of Magic: British Branch, a dark ride adventure that takes guests on a journey through the hidden levels of the Ministry of Magic beneath London, encountering magical mishaps, mischievous creatures, and glimpses of the inner workings of wizarding government. This ride combines motion-based vehicles, practical sets, and projection mapping to create a dynamic and immersive experience.

Beyond Hogsmeade North, the Wizarding Enclaves extend into other distinct areas. Godric's Hollow Green is a tranquil village green area inspired by the birthplace of Harry Potter, featuring a recreation of the Potter family cottage (as seen in flashbacks) and a memorial to James and Lily Potter. Here, guests can experience The Tale of the Three Brothers, a puppet show retelling the classic wizarding fairytale from The Tales of Beedle the Bard, performed in a charming village hall setting. Ottery St. Catchpole Orchard is a whimsical area inspired by the Weasley family's home, the Burrow, featuring interactive gardens, whimsical structures, and the Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes Joke Shop, a smaller outpost of the famous joke shop, offering a selection of magical pranks and novelties. Tinworth Cove, a coastal village inspired by Cornish fishing villages, is home to Merpeople's Lagoon, an underwater show featuring animatronic merpeople and other aquatic creatures, performed in a large, enclosed theatre with underwater viewing windows.

Dining in the Wizarding Enclaves of Albion offers a variety of British and wizarding-inspired fare. The Three Broomsticks Inn (Hogsmeade North) serves traditional pub food, Butterbeer, and other wizarding beverages in a cozy, snow-dusted setting. Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop (Hogsmeade North) offers afternoon tea, cakes, and pastries in a charmingly decorated tea room. The Leaky Cauldron (Albion) (Godric's Hollow Green) is a smaller, more rustic version of the famous London pub, serving hearty stews, soups, and traditional British dishes. Retail locations include Dervish and Banges (Albion) (Hogsmeade North), selling magical instruments and curiosities, Gladrags Wizardwear (Albion) (Hogsmeade North), offering a selection of wizarding robes and accessories, and Ollivander's Wand Shop (Albion) (Godric's Hollow Green), where guests can experience the wand-choosing ceremony and purchase their own wands. The Wizarding Enclaves of Albion offers a richly detailed and enchanting experience for Harry Potter fans, expanding the beloved universe with new locations and stories, all within a distinctly British magical setting.

Isles of Mythos

Leaving the familiar magic of the Wizarding Enclaves, guests can embark on an adventurous journey to the Isles of Mythos. This land is dedicated to legendary creatures and myths from various world cultures, reimagined within a dramatic, windswept island archipelago setting. The Isles of Mythos is designed as a series of rocky islands connected by rope bridges and causeways, surrounded by turbulent seas and shrouded in mist and legend. Architecture draws inspiration from ancient Mediterranean, Celtic, and Norse cultures, featuring weathered stone temples, timber longhouses, and crumbling ruins adorned with mythical carvings. The colour palette is dominated by blues, greys, and greens, with accents of gold and bronze, creating a sense of ancient mystery and rugged adventure. Soundscapes feature crashing waves, howling winds, and the roars and cries of mythical creatures, enhancing the atmosphere of wild, untamed lands.

The central landmark of the Isles of Mythos is Mount Cinder, a towering, volcanic peak that dominates the skyline. While not directly accessible to guests, Mount Cinder is home to The Griffin's Flight, a high-speed roller coaster that sends riders soaring around the mountain's peak, encountering mythical griffins and experiencing breathtaking drops and inversions. The ride is designed to simulate the feeling of flying on the back of a griffin, offering stunning views of the entire Isles of Mythos land. At the base of Mount Cinder, guests can explore The Labyrinth of the Minotaur, a massive maze attraction that challenges guests to navigate through twisting corridors and hidden chambers, encountering the fearsome Minotaur at its heart. This attraction combines physical maze elements with animatronics and special effects to create a thrilling and disorienting experience.

Beyond Mount Cinder and the Labyrinth, the Isles of Mythos offer further mythical encounters. Siren Song Rapids is a whitewater raft ride that plunges guests through treacherous rapids and waterfalls, encountering the seductive Sirens and other mythical sea creatures along the way. Medusa's Gaze is a 3D motion simulator ride that takes guests on a perilous journey to the lair of Medusa, where they must avoid her petrifying gaze and escape her wrath. This ride utilizes advanced 3D projection and motion-based seating to create a visually stunning and intense experience. Cyclops Cove is a play area for younger guests themed to the legend of Odysseus and the Cyclops, featuring climbing structures, slides, and interactive elements designed to resemble the Cyclops' cave. The Oracle's Grotto, a walk-through attraction, allows guests to consult the Oracle of Delphi (represented by an animatronic figure) and receive cryptic fortunes and prophecies.

Dining in the Isles of Mythos offers a taste of ancient cultures and mythical feasts. The Ambrosia Amphora is a table-service restaurant serving Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in a grand, temple-like setting, offering dishes such as roasted lamb, grilled seafood, and traditional Greek salads. The Viking Hearth is a quick-service eatery serving Norse-inspired fare, such as hearty stews, smoked meats, and traditional flatbreads, in a longhouse-style building. The Hydra's Head Tavern offers themed cocktails, beers, and snacks in a rustic, waterfront setting. Retail locations in the Isles of Mythos include The Mythic Market, selling artifacts, souvenirs, and clothing inspired by various world myths and legends, and The Dragon's Hoard, offering precious stones, jewelry, and mythical treasures. The Isles of Mythos provides an exhilarating and visually spectacular experience for guests seeking adventure and excitement, immersing them in the captivating worlds of mythology and legend.

Clockwork Quarter

Finally, guests can journey into the imaginative and inventive Clockwork Quarter, a land dedicated to the wonders of Victorian-era science fiction and steampunk aesthetics. The Clockwork Quarter is designed as a bustling, industrialized district of a fictional Victorian city, showcasing fantastical inventions, intricate machinery, and a sense of boundless technological possibility. Architecture draws heavily from Victorian industrial design, featuring red brick factories, towering clock towers, and elaborate ironwork structures. The colour palette is dominated by browns, greys, and brass tones, accented with flashes of vibrant colour from steam-powered machinery and fantastical inventions. Soundscapes feature the rhythmic hissing of steam, the clanking of gears, and the whirring of intricate mechanisms, creating a dynamic and energetic atmosphere of innovation and progress.

The central landmark of the Clockwork Quarter is The Chronarium, a towering clock tower housing The Time Turner, a groundbreaking time-travel simulator ride. This attraction takes guests on a thrilling journey through time, visiting different historical periods and encountering fantastical anachronisms and temporal paradoxes. The ride utilizes a combination of motion-based simulation, 360-degree screens, and special effects to create a truly immersive and mind-bending time-travel experience. Adjacent to the Chronarium is Professor Phileas Fogg's Aero-Venture, a suspended roller coaster that sends riders soaring through the skies above the Clockwork Quarter in fantastical airships inspired by Jules Verne's novels. The ride offers breathtaking views of the land and features close encounters with elaborate steampunk airships and flying machines.

Beyond the Chronarium and Aero-Venture, the Clockwork Quarter offers further inventive attractions. The Submersible Voyage to the Abyssal Depths is a submarine simulator ride that takes guests on a deep-sea exploration in a Victorian-era submersible, encountering bioluminescent creatures, underwater ruins, and the legendary Kraken. Tesla's Electrifying Emporium is an interactive walk-through attraction showcasing the inventions of Nikola Tesla, featuring demonstrations of electricity, magnetism, and other scientific wonders. Cogsworth's Contraptions is a play area for younger guests themed to Victorian-era inventions, featuring interactive gears, levers, and steam-powered contraptions. The Aeronaut's Observatory, located atop a tall building, provides panoramic views of the entire Clockwork Quarter and beyond, offering a unique vantage point for appreciating the land's intricate details.

Dining in the Clockwork Quarter is themed to Victorian-era innovation and industrial cuisine. The Brass Cog Bistro is a table-service restaurant serving modern British cuisine with a steampunk twist, in a dining room decorated with intricate clockwork mechanisms and industrial accents. The Steamworks Canteen is a quick-service eatery serving hearty, factory-style meals, such as pies, stews, and sausages, in a bustling, industrial setting. The Geargrinder's Grub offers snacks and beverages from a mobile cart designed to resemble a steam-powered food truck. Retail locations in the Clockwork Quarter include Spanner & Sprocket's Inventions, selling steampunk-themed gadgets, apparel, and accessories, and The Clockwork Curiosities Shop, offering unique souvenirs and collectibles inspired by Victorian science fiction and invention. The Clockwork Quarter provides a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating experience for guests fascinated by innovation and imagination, immersing them in a world of Victorian-era science fiction and boundless possibility.