An international theme park has provided an update on its search for its first UK site with Oxfordshire being the preferred destination.

Earlier this year, Puy du Fou, a historical-themed attraction, declared its interest in wanting a 300 to 400-acre site within a 40-mile radius of Oxford for its new theme park.

The theme park has now said it's “continuing its search” but a site has not yet been identified in Oxfordshire.

READ MORE: Plans for deserted headquarters of Formula 1 racing team

The company revealed it intends to open two new destinations in the world before 2030, with the UK remaining a preferred location.

The award-winning attraction currently operates in two locations, Les Epesses in the Pays de la Loire region of western France and Toledo in central Spain.

A spokeswoman said: “Puy du Fou is continuing its search for a suitable UK site in which it can provide a world-class cultural and historical experience, of the standard which has been long-established in France and more recently in Spain.  

“Puy du Fou is also passionate about respecting and enhancing the natural environment which forms an integral part of the visitor experience which it offers. 

“A site has not yet been identified in Oxfordshire but the UK remains a preferred location for the next Puy du Fou experience.

“The company intends to open two new destinations in the world before 2030 and the UK is one of a shortlist of countries in Europe and North America which might help to achieve this goal.”

ALSO READ: Teenagers killed in crash named locally as tributes pour in

Puy du Fou recently celebrated its 45th anniversary in 2022 and has twice been named 'Best Theme Park in the World'.

It was also chosen as the number one theme park worldwide by the visitors in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice ranking in June 2022.

Real estate company, Savills have been hired to look for the company’s third international site.

Ian Simpson, head of the leisure and trade-related team at Savills, says: “Puy du Fou is an incredibly popular interactive visitor attraction that centres its shows on a country’s unique history.

"The operator has been attracted to the UK because of the richness and depth of British history and culture and we are delighted to support the group in its search.

“In recent years we have seen the popularity of experiential and immersive visitor attractions grow in the UK and with the UK’s extensive history. This will add a unique experience for the British public.”

In February, cabinet member for travel and development strategy, Councillor Duncan Enright said: “I am not surprised they want to look in Oxfordshire because it is a fantastic place in terms of connectivity and existing offers to visitors.

“We already have world-class attractions and heritage sites like Blenheim and Bicester Village so it is not surprising they are looking somewhere like this.”

Experience Oxfordshire, the official destination management organisation for the county said it's "great" the area is being considered.

The group's chief executive, Hayley Beer-Gamage: “Bringing a brand with an international reputation and significant inward investment would certainly bring economic benefit into the county.

"Providing there is a well-developed infrastructure plan supporting any application, alongside sensitivity to the locality, it would potentially be a welcome addition to the destination.”