The eagerly awaited second season of Rivals has landed on Disney+, captivating viewers not only with its gripping drama but also with its breathtaking locations. The series returns to the lush, picturesque landscapes of Rutshire—a fictional county set in the Cotswolds—where wealth and power struggles dominate the lives of the characters.
According to Disney’s official synopsis, the conflict for control of the Central South West television franchise intensifies as the bitter rivalry between Corinium and Venturer reaches a dangerous new level. Tony Baddingham, relentless and cunning, deploys scandal and manipulation to weaken his opponents and secure his dominance. Set against the hedonistic excesses of the 1980s, personal relationships implode amid ambition-fueled chaos, with broken marriages, secret affairs, and explosive revelations driving the drama.
Fans have been quick to uncover the show’s real filming locations, bringing the fictional Rutshire to life. Emily Atack, who plays Sarah Stratton, shared behind-the-scenes glimpses on Instagram revealing the cast’s on-location work in Bristol, confirming that this beloved South West city plays a prominent role in the production.
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Notably, two iconic Bristol venues—The Cosy Club Bristol and the Harbour Hotel on Corn Street—served as key filming sites for this season. Meanwhile, scenes featuring Danny Dyer (Freddie Jones) and Alex Hassell (Rupert Campbell-Black) were shot at the prestigious Beaufort Polo Club in Gloucestershire. Polo is a signature element of Dame Jilly Cooper’s Rutshire Chronicles novels, the basis for Rivals, emphasizing the series’ faithful connection to its source material.
Gloucestershire’s majestic Berkeley Castle and its surrounding town also provided atmospheric backdrops for the production, enhancing the series’ rich period feel.
Additionally, fans spotted David Tennant, famed for his role in Doctor Who, filming alongside Claire Rushbrook—playing Lord and Lady Baddingham—in the quaint town of Corsham, Wiltshire. The town’s main street was artfully transformed into an authentic 1980s Cotswolds setting, complete with retro shop fronts that perfectly capture the era.
The first three episodes of Rivals season 2 are now streaming on Disney+, with new episodes released weekly. This combination of stellar acting, intense storytelling, and stunning locations continues to captivate audiences eager to see what unfolds in Rutshire’s high-stakes world.