Gloucestershire &amp; Worcestershire


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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.rivalss-1000x1000.jpg" alt="rivals film crew" class="wp-image-82746" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.rivalss-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.rivalss-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.rivalss-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.rivalss-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.rivalss-1100x1100.jpg 1100w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/1.rivalss.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The scandal, shoulder pads and steamy drama are back! Season two of&nbsp;Rivals&nbsp;has landed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.disneyplus.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Disney+</a>&nbsp;and once again, Gloucestershire steals plenty of scenes.</p>



<p>Based on the much-loved novel by&nbsp;the late (and very local) Jilly Cooper, the glossy adaptation has turned the Cotswolds into the fictional county of Rutshire — or, as fans now call it, the ‘Hotswolds’. The award-winning adaptation returns with a three-episode premiere, followed by weekly episode releases – with 12 episodes in total for fans to look forward to.</p>



<p>Expect more outrageous parties, polo drama and high-society chaos, all set against some of the county’s most beautiful backdrops.</p>



<p>From grand castles to honey-stone market towns, here are the local filming locations to look out for in season two.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-is-nbsp-rivals-nbsp-filmed-in-glos"><strong>Where is&nbsp;<em>Rivals</em>&nbsp;filmed in Glos?</strong></h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-berkeley-castle-berkeley"><a href="https://www.berkeley-castle.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Berkeley Castle</a>, Berkeley</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="720" height="480" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2017/06/berkeleycastle-720x480.jpg" alt="berkeley castle
" class="wp-image-2376" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2017/06/berkeleycastle-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2017/06/berkeleycastle-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2017/06/berkeleycastle-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2017/06/berkeleycastle.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Berkeley Castle</figcaption></figure>



<p>One of Gloucestershire’s most iconic historic homes, Berkeley Castle returns as a filming location in the new series. The spectacular medieval fortress, with its lavish interiors and sweeping grounds, fits perfectly into the raucous <em>Rivals’ </em>world of aristocratic excess.</p>



<p>According to sources expect both polo and lunch scenes to be filmed in the grounds of Berkeley Castle. Dating back almost 900 years, the castle has appeared in countless productions over the years, but in <em>Rivals </em>it becomes part of Rutshire’s glamorous social circuit .</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beaufort-polo-club-tetbury"><a href="https://beaufortpoloclub.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beaufort Polo Club</a>, Tetbury</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/3.polo_-1000x667.jpg" alt="polo players in Gloucestershire" class="wp-image-82741" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/3.polo_-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/3.polo_-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/3.polo_-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/05/3.polo_.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Polo is practically a character in <em>Rivals</em>, so it’s no surprise that Beaufort Polo Club once again takes centre stage. Located near Tetbury, the prestigious club is one of the most famous polo destinations in the country (Wills and Harry et al) provides the perfect backdrop for Rupert Campbell-Black’s fast-paced world of wealth, rivalry and romance.</p>



<p>We&#8217;re expecting 80s glam spectators, flying turf and plenty of tension on and off the pitch. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chavenage-house-tetbury"><a href="http://www.chavenage.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chavenage House</a>, Tetbury</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/04/Untitled-design-26-1000x667.jpg" alt="Chavenage House " class="wp-image-41504" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chavenage House</figcaption></figure>



<p>If you watched&nbsp;<em>Rivals</em>&nbsp;and found yourself lusting over the grand country pile where the O’Haras live, you’re not alone. That scene-stealing home, known in the series as The Priory, is actually<a href="https://www.chavenage.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;Chavenage&nbsp;</a>– a seriously atmospheric Elizabethan manor tucked away in the Cotswold countryside near Tetbury.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/10/Rivals-filming-Wiltshire-credit-Paul-Tuckett1.jpg" alt="Rivals filming Wiltshire credit Paul Tuckett" class="wp-image-38688" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Paul Tuckett</figcaption></figure>



<p>Built from honeyed Cotswold stone and Grade I-listed, medieval Chavenage dates back over 400 years. Inside, many of the original period details were used on screen, including ashtrays and cheque books that helped give the interiors their perfectly lived-in feel.</p>



<p>Fans of period drama might also recognise the house from&nbsp;<em>Poldark</em>, when it was used as Trenwith. The best bit? Although privately owned, tours are occasionally available. Just be sure to book ahead, as visits are by reservation only.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tetbury">Tetbury</h2>



<p>The charming market town of Tetbury has once again been transformed into the fictional town of Cotchester for season two.</p>



<p>With its elegant Georgian streets, antique shops and classic Cotswold architecture, Tetbury slips effortlessly into the world of 1980s Rutshire. Fans of the first series may already recognise several corners of the town, with shopfronts and streets subtly adapted for filming.</p>



<p>Its picture-perfect appearance helped make the first season such a visual hit &#8211; and it looks set to feature heavily again this time around.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-and-just-over-the-border-in-wilts">And just over the border in Wilts&#8230;</h2>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cotchester-corsham">Cotchester: Corsham</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Rivals-filming-in-Wiltshire-copyright-Paul-Tuckett-1000x667.jpg" alt="Rivals filming in Wiltshire copyright Paul Tuckett 7" class="wp-image-37090" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Paul Tuckett</figcaption></figure>



<p>Corsham in north west Wilts has a pretty High Street which pops up multiple times in&nbsp;<em>Rivals</em>&nbsp;series 2, doubling as the fictional town of Cotchester.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/10/Rivals-filming-Wiltshire-credit-Paul-Tuckett4-1000x667.jpg" alt="Rivals filming Wiltshire credit Paul Tuckett" class="wp-image-38691" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Paul Tuckett</figcaption></figure>



<p>Aidan Turner [Declan O’Hara], Alex Hassell [Rupert Campbell-Black], Bella Maclean [Taggie] and Nafessa Williams [Cameron Cook] have all been spotted hard at work filming.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/04/Previous-Homewares-in-Rivals-1000x667.jpg" alt="Previous Homewares in Corsham featuring in Rivals" class="wp-image-41523" /></figure>



<p>Previous was transformed into a grocery store – watch the new series of Rivals and you might catch Declan O’Hara [Aidan Turner] emerging with fireworks. And a very large moustache.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Rivals-filming-in-Wiltshire-copyright-Sophie-Barton-8-1000x667.jpg" alt="Rivals filming in Wiltshire copyright Sophie Barton 9" class="wp-image-37102" /></figure>



<p>Corsham High Street was transported straight back to the 1980s, with vintage cars including a Triumph Stag and Austin Metro rolled in for the occasion. Declan O’Hara’s mustard Mini also made an appearance.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Rivals-filming-in-Wiltshire-copyright-Sophie-Barton-2-1000x667.jpg" alt="Rivals filming in Wiltshire copyright Sophie Barton 9" class="wp-image-37097" /></figure>



<p>The Town Hall was transformed into a polling station, complete with bunting and placards outside. As the cameras rolled, MP Rupert Campbell-Black and Tory hopeful Gerald Middleton [played by Hubert Burton] emerged from a shiny Jag, waving to onlookers before striding inside.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Rivals-filming-in-Wiltshire-copyright-Sophie-Barton-4-1000x667.jpg" alt="Rivals filming in Wiltshire copyright Sophie Barton 9" class="wp-image-37099" /></figure>



<p>The Rivals art department worked their magic too. Coppins Jeweller became Cotchester Jewellers, while the former Boots was reimagined as a Waitrose. Meanwhile, Hale Vet became Rutshire Dental.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Rivals-filming-in-Wiltshire-copyright-Sophie-Barton-9-1000x667.jpg" alt="Rivals filming in Wiltshire copyright Sophie Barton 9" class="wp-image-37103" /></figure>



<p>Oil &amp; Ink gallery became Huntley’s Antiques, Oxfam was transformed into Kitson Collectors Centre, and The Royal Oak pub turned into a swanky-looking Bar Sinister – here are Bella Maclean [Taggie] and Luke Pasqualino [Basil Baddingham].&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/10/Rivals-filming-Wiltshire-credit-Paul-Tuckett-8-1000x667.jpg" alt="Rivals Series 2 filming in Corsham Wiltshire" class="wp-image-38687" /></figure>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lord-baddingham-s-house-neston-park">Lord Baddingham’s House: Neston Park</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/11/Womad-@garryjonesphotography2-1000x667.jpg" alt="Neston Park WOMAD Festival Wiltshire" class="wp-image-39279" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: garryjonesphotography / WOMAD&nbsp;</figcaption></figure>



<p>Love him or loathe him, you can’t fail to be impressed by Lord Tony Baddingham’s lavish country pile in&nbsp;<em>Rivals</em>. The TV mogul lives at The Falconry, a grand mansion with a sweeping drive and swoonworthy parkland views.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/04/David-Tennant-Rivals-Tony-Baddingham-1000x667.jpg" alt="David-Tennant-Rivals-Tony-Baddingham" class="wp-image-41421" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Disney+</figcaption></figure>



<p>In real life, The Falconry is actually Neston Park Estate, just outside Atworth. The Grade II* listed mansion is privately owned, but this isn’t the first time it’s starred on our screens. It has previously appeared in&nbsp;<em>Lark Rise to Candleford</em>,&nbsp;<em>Persuasion</em>&nbsp;and the Agatha Christie adaptation&nbsp;<em>Towards Zero</em>.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-s-in-it">Who&#8217;s in it?</h2>



<p>Season two reunites stars including&nbsp;David Tennant,&nbsp;Danny Dyer,&nbsp;Aidan Turner,&nbsp;Emily Atack&nbsp;and&nbsp;Alex Hassell, with the new series picking up after the dramatic cliffhanger ending of season one.</p>



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<p><em>Rivals </em>season two is on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.disneyplus.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Disney+</a>, with new episodes released weekly.</p>



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Step inside the ‘Hotswolds’: The local Rivals filming locations you can visit

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