Disney ‘s “Rivals” dives headfirst into the cutthroat world of TV where hair-dos are big and ambitions are even bigger (Image: Disney )
If you’ve yet to indulge in a Rivals marathon on Disney+, the holiday break might just be the ideal time to immerse yourself in this sultry and dramatic series.
Based on the novels of romance writer Jilly Cooper, this sizzling 80s-inspired show has received glowing reviews and rapidly became a must-see.
Rivals is part of Jilly Cooper’s Rutshire Chronicles book series, and while it’s set in the Cotswolds, Rutshire is a fictional county that aims to encapsulate a quintessentially British way of life.
So where was the series filmed to capture this uniquely British lifestyle?
The bulk of the show, which stars David Tennent as Lord Tony Baddingham, Alex Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black, and Aidan Turner as Declan O’Hara, was shot in Tetbury, which doubles as the fictitious village of Cotchester.
Tetbury is the second largest town in the Cotswolds and boasts some very well-known inhabitants.
This area of exceptional beauty, with its rolling hills and countryside, is also home to King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort.
Historically significant for the Cotswold wool and yarn trade, today it features a range of independent shops and is an ideal spot for anyone on the hunt for that elusive antique, reports The Mirror.
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The Highgrove shop in Tetbury (Image: Getty)
Tetbury, renowned for its antique and bric-a-brac shops, is a haven for bargain hunters.
The town boasts four main high streets – Long Street, Church Street, Market Place and Chipping Street – all teeming with boutique stores offering everything from designer clothes and jewellery to home interiors and gifts.
In 2018, Homes and Antiques magazine named Long Street as one of the UK’s top shopping destinations.
This street also houses the Highgrove Shop, inspired by Highgrove Gardens and King Charles’s personal interests.
Leaves on trees can be seen changing colour in the gardens of Highgrove House near Tetbury, the private residence of King Charles (Image: Getty)
The shop offers a range of gifts and artisan products, including a unique blend of tea and champagne, gardening tools, soft furniture, and sweet and savoury treats.
After a day of shopping, visitors can choose from a variety of dining options in Tetbury, including gastropubs like The Cat and Custard Pot Inn, Italian cuisine at Casa La Cucina, Spanish dishes at Lola and Co Tapas, or traditional British fare at The Priory Inn.
For those interested in history, the Tetbury Police Museum is open on Wednesdays and Fridays from 11am to 3pm and is free to enter.
Alternatively, visitors can explore the gardens at Highgrove, the personal residence of the King and Queen.
After King Charles settled in Highgrove in 1980, he began transforming the gardens, which are open to the public from April to October each year.
However, there’s also Westinbirt House and Gardens, Newark Park and Rodmarton Manor for visitors to discover.
Another location featured in Rivals is the new O’Hara residence, actually Chavenage House in Tetbury.
This house served as a backdrop for scenes in the BBC drama Poldark, making actor Aidan Turner quite familiar with its stunning medieval heritage and elaborate decor.
The carpet garden in Highgrove to mark the 25th anniversary of the gardens in 2019 (Image: PA)
Those wishing to visit Chavenage House can book tickets throughout the year subject to availability.
For fans of Cameron Cook, played by Nafessa Williams, they can rent out Berkeley House in Tetbury as a holiday home and immerse themselves in the quintessentially British town.
Other parts of the Disney+ series were filmed in locations across Wiltshire, Somerset, Bristol and Salisbury.
Rivals is available to stream on Disney+ now.
