Rivals Filming Locations: South West Sites for Disney+ Drama Series

A new television series, "Rivals," has made its debut, bringing viewers into a world of dastardly deals, power struggles, and romance reminiscent of a Jilly Cooper novel. The show, which premiered on Disney+, is set in the cutthroat realm of independent television in 1986 and features a star-studded cast including David Tennant, Aidan Turner, and Alex Hassell.

Set in the fictional county of Rutshire, inspired by the author’s experiences in the Cotswold village of Bisley, the series explores the intersection of class, race, sex, and wealth. The Cotswolds, England’s largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, serves as the picturesque backdrop for the show, spanning 800 square miles of rolling hills, charming towns, and villages, with notable residents like the King at Highgrove and Princess Anne at Gatcombe Park.

For the filming of "Rivals," various locations in the Cotswolds were transformed to bring Rutshire to life on screen. Tetbury in Gloucestershire stood in for Rutshire’s Cotchester, with key landmarks like Berkeley House and St Mary’s Church serving as filming locations. Chavenage House, a historic Elizabethan manor, also played a significant role in the series, portraying Declan O’Hara’s residence.

Corsham, a town in Wiltshire, was another filming location for "Rivals," offering a historic setting that has previously been featured in productions like Poldark. The town’s high street was revamped to capture the essence of the 1980s era, while Neston Park doubled as ‘The Falconry,’ the home of TV mogul Tony Baddingham.

Bristol’s Bottle Yard Studios served as the production base for "Rivals," where a replica 1980s television studio was meticulously recreated. The city of Bristol itself provided a vibrant backdrop for exterior scenes, with locations like Corn Street and St Nicholas Markets setting the stage for glamorous TV award ceremonies and red carpet moments. The city’s streets were transformed into a bustling 1980s London, complete with iconic red double decker buses and retro vehicles like Sinclair C5s.

Additionally, Aerospace Bristol in Filton featured prominently in the series, with a stationary supersonic jet hosting a memorable scene. Extras dressed in 1980s attire boarded the jet, creating an immersive mile-high club experience for viewers.

Through a blend of captivating storytelling and stunning filming locations, "Rivals" offers audiences a glimpse into the glamorous yet tumultuous world of television in the 1980s, set against the backdrop of the picturesque Cotswolds.