Nerd Alert: 'Sherlock' and 'Doctor Who' Theme Park to Open

Dara Continenza has been exploring the world and writing about it since 2010. Her writing has appeared on Hopper, SmarterTravel, USA Today, Money, U.S. News and World Report, Yahoo, Business Insider, TripAdvisor, Huffington Post, Boston.com, and others.

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It’s elementary, dear readers. A theme park is coming to England.

The BBC just signed a landmark deal with Paramount and a real-estate developer, opening the way for a brand-new amusement park. But this won’t be Disney World UK: According to sources, major BBC shows like Doctor Who, Sherlock, and Top Gear will be turned into attractions.

While the developers haven’t confirmed exactly which shows will become themed rides, many insiders think that the network’s biggest hits are sure bets. The developer and the network are now determining which brands and programs will be turned into rides, interactive simulations, experiences, dining options, and more. The hope is that foreign tourists—not just Brits—will make the journey to experience the globally popular BBC shows. (We know we’d fly eight hours to ride a TARDIS roller coaster or eat at a Speedy’s Sandwich Bar.)

The theme park is planned for Kent, a resort area about an hour southeast of London that is often the departure point for Brits heading to Disneyland Paris (the Ebbsfleet International Eurostar station is nearby). In addition to the BBC- and Paramount-related attractions, the park will have an indoor waterpark, movie theaters, restaurants, bars, several hotels, and other amenities sure to compete with Mickey across the water.

The only catch? The theme park won’t open until at least 2020. That big ball of wibbly wobbly, timey wimey stuff is not on our side, but we don’t mind waiting.

An artist’s rendering of the theme park. (Photo: Paramount/BBC)

Readers, what kind of rides would you like to see at a BBC-themed amusement park? The Guardian is rounding up some pretty entertaining responses.

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