The plans for a £600 million historical theme park in Oxfordshire have received international support, with a senior Spanish government official backing the proposed development near Bicester.
Milagros Tolón, Spain’s Minister of Education, has written to the leader of Cherwell District Council expressing support for Puy du Fou’s outline planning application for its first UK attraction.
The French entertainment company, known for its history-themed parks in France and Spain, is proposing to develop the destination on land north of Bucknell, close to Bicester and junction 10 of the M40. The proposed park would introduce Puy du Fou’s historical entertainment concept to the UK, combining live performances and storytelling inspired by history and heritage.
The project is expected to bring significant economic benefits to Oxfordshire, along with new opportunities in tourism, hospitality, and education.
Project Expected To Create Thousands Of Jobs
According to Puy du Fou, the Oxfordshire development could directly employ approximately 2,000 people once fully operational. The company estimates that another 6,000 jobs could be supported through surrounding businesses, including hotels, restaurants, suppliers and other services benefiting from increased visitor activity.
The park is also projected to contribute around £500 million annually to the local and regional economy once fully developed.
Puy du Fou already operates established historical entertainment destinations in France and Spain, where its attractions combine large-scale theatrical productions with historical storytelling. The company’s proposed UK expansion aims to build on that experience while creating a new visitor destination in Oxfordshire.
However, the project remains subject to the planning approval process, with Cherwell District Council considering the outline application.
Spanish Minister Highlights Tourism And Educational Benefits
Tolón’s endorsement draws on her experience as Mayor of Toledo, a position she held between 2015 and 2023. During that period, she witnessed the planning, construction and opening of Puy du Fou España.
In her letter, she highlighted the Spanish park’s contribution to tourism, employment and regional economic development. She explained that the attraction had helped bring additional visitors to Toledo, encouraged longer stays and created opportunities for local businesses.
Tolón also stressed the educational value of historical entertainment, especially its ability to introduce younger audiences to history through engaging experiences. Nearly 150,000 school pupils and students are expected to visit Puy du Fou España during the 2026 season as part of organised educational trips.
The minister noted that these experiences can complement classroom learning by encouraging students to explore historical subjects and develop a greater interest in museums, cultural institutions and heritage destinations.
She also highlighted the park’s partnerships with schools, colleges and universities, which provide practical training and professional development opportunities for young people.
Puy du Fou Welcomes International Endorsements
The latest letter follows similar expressions of support from senior officials in France and Spain, who have pointed to the economic and cultural benefits associated with Puy du Fou’s existing attractions.
Olivier Strebelle, CEO of Puy du Fou, welcomed the endorsements, noting that support had come from political representatives across different parties and ideological backgrounds. He emphasised the company’s commitment to working closely with local authorities and supporting communities surrounding its attractions.
Strebelle also expressed hope that Puy du Fou could establish a similar relationship with Cherwell District Council and Oxfordshire authorities.
If approved, the £600 million development would mark Puy du Fou’s entry into the UK market, introducing a new historical entertainment destination while potentially creating thousands of jobs and expanding the region’s tourism offering.
