A quaint town in the Cotswolds has been used as a filming location for the hit television series Rivals, and it is easy to see why, with its traditional shopfront facades and royal connections. Tetbury, the second-largest town in the Cotswolds, nestled in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, served as a backdrop for the fictional county of Rutshire in the Disney+ drama.
Rivals Returns for Second Season
The popular Disney+ drama series Rivals has returned for its second season, with the battle between Corinium and Venturer for the central south west television franchises reaching new heights. Tony Baddingham (David Tennant) seeks to destroy Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) in this portrayal of the cutthroat world of 1980s television. Based on the novel by Jilly Cooper, the series evokes scandal, secrets, drama, and love among some of Britain's wealthy elite.
Rivals has gripped viewers since the first series was released in 2024, and its anticipated return on 15 May has sparked further excitement, including for its filming locations. Bristol, Corsham in Wiltshire, and Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire have all been used, alongside areas across the West of England and the Cotswolds.
Tetbury: A Quintessential Cotswolds Town
Tetbury is a quintessential Cotswolds town, easily feeling as though you have stepped onto a film set, with grand Georgian facades and honey-coloured stone decorating its high street. The wool merchants' houses from the 16th and 17th centuries are among the town's most renowned landmarks, a nod to its former status as a hub of the Cotswolds' wool and yarn trade.
While the town is small, there are plenty of shops to browse in the four main areas: Market Place, Chipping Street, Church Street, and Long Street, with the latter two notably appearing in Rivals. There are also plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat or to grab a coffee for leisurely weekends.
Independent Shops and Cosy Cafés
The town is brimming with independent businesses, including boutiques, jewellers, home interior design shops, gift shops, and art galleries. There is also an array of antique stores to find hidden treasures or vintage furniture pieces that compare to those seen in the stately homes of the aristocrats in Rivals.
Its collection of cosy cafés offers the perfect retreat after wandering around the town, steeped in history. The Blue Zucchini is a particular favourite, thanks to its tasty offerings and quirky interiors of colourful decorations that cover every inch of the eatery. There is also Cafe 53 for a hearty breakfast and caffeine fix, set amongst the tropical setting at the back of Domestic Science, which offers kitchenware, gifts, clothes, and kids' toys. Adding to the town's offerings is Charlie's Cafe & Wine Bar, open day or night, alongside Lola & Co Tapas and Casa Restaurant, a beloved Italian eatery.
Scenic Tetbury Trail
After exploring the town and spotting those iconic film set locations, it is worth taking a stroll along the Tetbury Trail. The pedestrian and cycle route is around three miles, stretching along the former Tetbury branch railway line, among towering trees in the heart of the Gloucestershire countryside. There is even an exercise trail for fitness enthusiasts.
The trail starts at the Tetbury Goods Shed Arts Centre, where you can grab a hot drink or catch an event on another day. At the end, walkers can find The Trouble House, a welcoming rest stop with a lunch and dinner à la carte menu, as well as outdoor seating for warmer months.
Other Filming Locations in Gloucestershire
Tetbury is not the only Rivals filming location in Gloucestershire. The Beaufort Polo Club was also featured, alongside Chavenage House, which was portrayed as Declan O'Hara's (Aidan Turner) manor, The Priory. The nearby Berkeley Castle depicted Cameron Cook's (Nafessa Williams) house, Hamilton Terrace.
Royal Connections
Tetbury is even home to royalty, with Highgrove House, the private residence of King Charles and Queen Camilla. Royal fans can visit Highgrove through a garden tour or experience, with the addition of afternoon tea, or simply visit the Highgrove shop on Tetbury High Street for luxurious gifts, homeware, or country clothing.
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