Where is Rivals filmed? Location guide for Disney Plus drama

Where is Rivals filmed? Location guide for Disney Plus drama

As a movie buff with a penchant for British period dramas and a soft spot for the Cotswolds, I must say I’m quite intrigued by this new Disney Plus series, Rivals. The fact that it’s based on Jilly Cooper’s Rutshire Chronicles, a series I’ve dabbled in during my leisurely afternoons by the fireplace, makes it even more appealing.


In the realm of Rivals, there’s something distinctively missing if it doesn’t unfold within the imaginary county of Rutshire – a region reminiscent of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, nestled within the picturesque Cotswolds.

Indeed, the realm of Rutshire significantly features in Jilly Cooper’s initial Rutshire Chronicles, serving as inspiration for the recently released Disney Plus series. However, it’s essential to note that this world is purely imaginative and not based on any real-life location.

In the upcoming series, Rupert Campbell-Black, once an infamous playboy and acclaimed equestrian who switched to politics, teams up with his latest neighbor, Declan O’Hara. Together, they aim to dethrone the corrupt media tycoon Lord Tony Baddingham by making a bid for his Cotswolds-based independent television network.

Besides delving into the sensational lifestyles of Rutshire residents, the upcoming eight-part show also showcases impressive country estates, immaculate gardens, and stunning views of the English countryside.

But where was the Disney Plus show filmed? Read on to find out about the locations used for Rivals.

Is Rutshire a real place?

Where is Rivals filmed? Location guide for Disney Plus drama

Rutshire is a completely made-up location that author Jilly Cooper created for her popular series of books called The Rutshire Chronicles.

Rutshire might not be a genuine county within the United Kingdom, but it’s modeled on the beautiful and authentic Cotswolds, a region situated in central southwest England, renowned for its stunning landscapes and charming market towns.

In Cooper’s books, the realm of Rutshire showcases vast countryside manors and iconic English scenery, making it a delightful sight for viewers as they stream the Disney Plus series.

Where is Rivals filmed?

Where is Rivals filmed? Location guide for Disney Plus drama

In my perspective, the breathtaking scenes of the recently released Disney Plus series, “Rivals,” were not just magically brought to life on screen, but were actually filmed across various enchanting locales nestled within Gloucestershire and Somerset – the very heart of the picturesque Cotswolds.

In the press kit for the show, it’s mentioned that the production team sought out locations equally captivating as their characters. Producer Eliza Mellor began her search with Caroline Lowsley-Williams, who owns Chavenage House in Tetbury.

Previously, Mellor collaborated with Lowsley-Williams on the show Poldark. Later, they discovered that the historic Grade I-listed Chavenage was an ideal setting for Aidan Turner’s character’s home within the series.

It’s fortunate that Lowsley-Williams prepared a list of fitting local residences for other characters. As Mellor mentions, “Caroline acquainted us with the proprietors of our Falconry, Lord Baddingham’s residence, and those of the house where we filmed tennis.

“They’d never had filming before, so we’d never have got it without her.”

One of the settings featured in the series is Wilton House, located in the city of Salisbury, England. This grand English estate has made appearances in shows like The Crown, Bridgerton, and Pride & Prejudice.

In the scenic countryside of Corsham, Wiltshire, you’ll find a charming market town that has graced the screens before in shows like “Rivals” and “Poldark”. It boasts a rich history, unique homes, and labyrinthine streets that seem to tell their own tales.

In the story Rivals, the primary shooting locations were not just limited to Tetbury, which stood in for Cotchester (the town where Corinium is situated), but also expanded to other areas across the United Kingdom. These included Wraxall in Somerset and Bristol as well.

At the Tetbury Visitor Information Centre, Matthew Nichol shared with i News that during the initial week of August, the cast and crew of The Rivals moved in. As a result, signs around Tetbury were switched to Cotswold ones, while numerous businesses on Long Street temporarily transformed their storefronts to resemble 1980s displays.

According to Nichol, Tetbury also welcomed some fabulous old cars.

Locations in Tetbury featured in the series Rivals encompassed:

In a subsequent episode, during the televised awards ceremony, characters Tony (David Tennant), Rupert (Alex Hassell), and Declan (Aidan Turner) reunited following their rift, was filmed on Corn Street in Bristol.

The red carpet scene unfolded outside Bristol’s Harbour Hotel, while the interior shots were done at Bottle Yard Studios in the city.

On October 18th, 2024, the much-anticipated series “Rivals” will premiere on Disney Plus! Secure your spot today by subscribing to Disney Plus at just £4.99 per month or get a full year for £79.90!

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2024-10-18 10:34