Fans of Disney's hit show Rivals can now visit the beautiful Cotswolds manor used as a key filming location. The country home, known as Chavenage House, is just as stunning in real life as it appears on screen, and it is open to the public for tours.
The Real-Life Setting of Rivals
The Disney Plus series Rivals is set in the fictional county of Rutshire, with many scenes filmed in the picturesque Cotswolds. One of the most prominent locations is The Priory, the home of Declan O'Hara, a renowned Irish TV presenter and journalist. In reality, this manor is Chavenage House, a privately owned Elizabethan estate in Tetbury.
History of Chavenage House
Chavenage House is a Grade I listed building, constructed in 1576 by Edward Stephens. Over the centuries, it has undergone extensions in the 17th, 19th, and 20th centuries, blending original style with modern additions. Until recently, the estate was managed by Rona Lowsley-Williams, who served as its chatelaine for 67 years until her passing in July 2025. She transformed the property from a fading Edwardian household into a popular visitor attraction.
Filming History Beyond Rivals
Chavenage House has been a prime filming location for numerous film and TV productions. It famously portrayed Trenwith in the BBC's Poldark, starring Aidan Turner, and appeared as Candleford Manor in Lark Rise to Candleford. Other credits include The House of Eliott, Casualty, and Dracula. Celebrities such as Eddie Redmayne and Jamie Dornan have worked on its grounds.
Visiting Chavenage House
Outside of scheduled filming, the house is open to the public. According to its website, tours are limited and require advance reservations due to the property being privately owned. Admission costs £12 per adult for groups of at least 21 people, with children's tickets at £6. For individual visits, bespoke private tours start at £250.
Visitor Reviews
Recent visitors have praised the experience. One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: "This privately owned manor is full of history and artefacts, and the owners are lovely people. What a treat to have a personal tour of this incredibly special place, built in the Elizabethan period. If you have seen Poldark, you will recognise many of the scenes filmed in this historic home."
Another added: "Wow. After visiting many beautiful estates and castles, I didn't expect to be blown away. However beautiful they were, I enjoyed Chavenage House so much more. Primarily, because the host was personally invested - he is part of the Lowsley-Williams family that has been at home here since 1891 and takes great pride in personally giving the tour. This truly makes a difference."
For more information, visit chavenage.com.
