Oxfordshire Gets £600M History Park

A new £600 million history-themed attraction is on track to open in Oxfordshire, near Bicester, with plans submitted to Cherwell District Council. The proposed park, inspired by France's award-winning Puy du Fou, aims to offer visitors an immersive experience of historical periods, complete with gladiator tournaments and Viking invasions.

This major development, set to operate from April to October annually, will feature four period villages, 13 live shows, and three hotels themed to different eras of British history. A state-of-the-art conference centre is also part of the proposal. The CEO of Blenheim Palace, Dominic Hare, views the attraction as a "significant strategic opportunity" for the area, anticipating substantial economic benefits.

Despite the potential economic advantages, the project has faced local opposition. Residents have raised concerns about the impact on local infrastructure, particularly traffic congestion, and the suitability of the chosen site. The company has stated efforts will be made to mitigate noise and visual impact, including extensive landscaping and the preservation of ancient woodlands, with plans to plant 20,000 new trees and create wildflower meadows.