Phase one of the much anticipated UK version of Puy du Fou, the historical ‘theme park with no rides’, could be open in 2029 if the outline planning proposal, just submitted to Cherwell District Council, is approved.

The French theme park company, with sites in France, Spain, China and other locations, has developed plans for a £600m, 370-acre site near to junction 10 of the M40 near Bicester. The park which will be themed on British history, will be open each year from April to October and will have 13 live shows (six outdoor shows and seven indoor shows), four period villages, three period hotels and a conference centre.

This makes it smaller than the original park in France – 500 acres/15 shows/4 villages/5 hotels – but bigger than Puy du Fou in Spain – 74 acres/12 shows/4 villages/0 hotels.

The Cherwell Council planning committee is expected to decide on the plans in early 2026.

There’s more detail on the plans here, and see my review of Puy du Fou in France to get an idea of the scale and concept.

(Feature image:  Le Signe du Triomphe show in its 7,000-seat Roman coliseum in France.)