There’s been a lot of excitement across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire since the announcement of The Universal United Kingdom Resort – the first Universal theme park in Europe.
For families, film fans and thrill-seekers alike, it’s set to become one of the UK’s biggest visitor attractions, bringing the magic of Universal’s world-famous theme parks right to our doorstep.
While the resort is still some years away from opening, many people are already looking ahead and wondering what a trip might look like. And one of the first questions is always: where will we stay?
More Than Just a Theme Park Trip
A visit to The Universal United Kingdom Resort is likely to be much more than a day out.
Whether you’re travelling from elsewhere in the UK or visiting from overseas, chances are you’ll want to make the most of your time in the area. After a full day of rides, shows and attractions, having somewhere peaceful to return to can make all the difference.
That’s where staying outside the resort itself can be a real advantage.
Rather than ending the day surrounded by crowds, many visitors will enjoy escaping to the countryside, unwinding in quieter surroundings and experiencing a different side of the region.
Just 30 Minutes from The Universal United Kingdom Resort
Farndish Manor is ideally located just 30 minutes from The Universal United Kingdom Resort, making it easy to enjoy all the excitement of the park while staying somewhere altogether more peaceful.
Sleeping up to 16 guests, the manor is perfect for larger family gatherings, multi-generational holidays, friendship groups and special celebrations centred around a visit to the resort.
To make things even easier, we can recommend reliable local minibus services, allowing your whole group to travel together to and from the park. After a full day of adventures, rides and entertainment, there’s something rather appealing about being collected with tired legs and happy memories, then returning to the tranquillity of the countryside rather than facing busy car parks and crowded hotel complexes.
Discovering the Countryside Around Bedford
One of the things that makes the location of The Universal United Kingdom Resort so exciting is that it’s surrounded by some beautiful countryside, charming villages and historic market towns.
Beyond the theme park, visitors can enjoy:
• Scenic walks and countryside views
• Traditional village pubs
• Historic houses and gardens
• Independent shops and cafés
• Family attractions across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire
It’s the perfect opportunity to turn a theme park visit into a longer break.
A Relaxing Base at Farndish Manor
At Farndish Manor, we’re looking forward to welcoming guests who are visiting The Universal United Kingdom Resort in the years ahead.
Located in the peaceful village of Farndish, we’re close enough to make visiting the resort easy, while offering a completely different atmosphere when the day is done.
Instead of busy hotel corridors and packed lobbies, guests can enjoy the calm of the countryside, comfortable surroundings and a chance to slow down after an action-packed day.
Imagine returning from the excitement of Europe’s first Universal theme park, gathering with friends and family, enjoying the gardens, sharing stories from the day’s adventures and relaxing in your own private countryside retreat.
Whether you’re planning a family adventure, a weekend away with friends or a special celebration, we believe the best trips combine excitement with a little space to relax.

Why Stay Near The Universal United Kingdom Resort?
As the first Universal theme park in Europe, the resort is expected to attract visitors from across the continent.
Many guests will be looking for accommodation that offers:
• A quieter place to stay away from the crowds
• Space for larger groups and families
• More character than a standard hotel
• The opportunity to explore the local area
• A genuine countryside experience
Farndish Manor offers exactly that balance.
Perfectly Placed for Exploring the UK
One of the advantages of staying at Farndish Manor is our central and well-connected location.
For guests travelling from overseas, a visit to The Universal United Kingdom Resort can easily become part of a wider UK itinerary. From Farndish Manor, many of Britain’s most iconic destinations are within easy reach, including:
• London
• Cambridge
• Oxford
• Stratford-upon-Avon
• The Cotswolds
• York
• Edinburgh
Whether you’re extending your stay for a few extra days or planning a longer UK adventure, Farndish Manor provides an excellent base from which to explore far beyond the theme park.
Looking Ahead
The arrival of The Universal United Kingdom Resort is an exciting moment for the whole region, and we’re proud to be part of the surrounding community that will welcome its visitors.
If you’re already dreaming about your future visit, why not think beyond the theme park gates?
The rides and attractions will create unforgettable memories, but so too can peaceful mornings in the countryside, evenings spent exploring local villages and the chance to experience some of England’s most beautiful destinations.
When the time comes to plan your trip to The Universal United Kingdom Resort, we’d love Farndish Manor to be part of your adventure – a place where you can enjoy all the excitement of the park, then escape the hustle and bustle to relax, recharge and make even more memories together.
How to Book
If you would like to book Farndish Manor, please head to our booking page to check availability and get in touch with your host, Lucy.