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A charming Cotswolds market town, home to royal residences and a picturesque former railway walk, has served as a filming location for the smash-hit series Rivals.

The hugely popular Disney+ drama Rivals has made its eagerly awaited return for a second season, with the fierce battle between Corinium and Venturer for the central south west television franchise reaching fever pitch as Tony Baddingham (David Tennant) sets his sights on destroying Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell). Depicting the "cutthroat world of 1980s television", the series, based on the novel by Jilly Cooper, is steeped in scandal, secrets, drama, and romance amongst Britain's privileged upper classes.

Rivals has had viewers hooked since its debut series in 2024, and its long-awaited return on 15 May has only heightened anticipation, not least for its stunningfilming locations. Bristol, Corsham in Wiltshire, and Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire have all featured as backdrops for Rivals, along with various locations across the West of England and the Cotswolds.

One standout location showcased in the hit series is Tetbury, the second-largest town in the Cotswolds, nestled within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. While Corsham in Wiltshire doubled as the 1980s Rivals' fictional town of Cotchester, parts of Tetbury - where Rivals author Jilly Cooper resided for around 40 years - provided the backdrop for Rutshire.

This charming Gloucestershire market town could easily be mistaken for a film set, with its grand Georgian frontages and warm honey-coloured stone lining the high street. The wool merchants' houses dating from the 16th and 17th centuries rank amongst the town's most celebrated landmarks, serving as a testament to its former standing as a thriving centre of the Cotswolds' wool and yarn trade.

Despite its modest size, there is no shortage of shops to explore across the four principal areas: Market Place, Chipping Street, Church Street, and Long Street, with the latter two notably featured in Rivals. There is equally no lack of spots to enjoy a leisurely lunch or a warming coffee for those relaxed weekend visits, reports the Mirror.

The town is brimming with independent businesses, encompassing boutiques, jewellers, home interiors shops, gift emporiums, and art galleries. A wealth of antique stores also awaits those hunting for hidden gems or seeking a vintage furniture piece that compares to those found in the grand stately homes of the aristocrats depicted in Rivals.

Its charming collection of cosy cafés provides the ideal refuge after a leisurely stroll through this history-laden town. The Blue Zucchini is a particular local favourite, celebrated for its delectable menu and wonderfully eccentric interiors, where vibrant, colourful decorations adorn virtually every surface.

For a substantial breakfast and a much-needed caffeine boost, Cafe 53 provides the perfect spot, nestled within a charming tropical setting at the rear of the store, Domestic Science, stocking everything from kitchenware and gifts to clothing and children's toys. Charlie's Cafe and Wine Bar caters for both daytime and evening visits, while Lola and Co Tapas and Casa Restaurant, a much-loved Italian eatery, further enhance the town's dining scene.

Once you've explored the town and tracked down those iconic filming locations, a leisurely walk along the Tetbury Trail is well worth your time. The pedestrian and cycling route spans approximately three miles, winding along the former Tetbury branch railway line through towering woodland in the heart of the Gloucestershire countryside, with an exercise trail also on hand for those keen to keep active.

The trail begins at the Tetbury Goods Shed Arts Centre, where visitors can enjoy a hot drink or attend a future event, and concludes at The Trouble House. Despite a busy road crossing, The Trouble House offers a welcoming retreat with a lunch and dinner à la carte menu, plus outdoor seating for sunnier days.

However, Tetbury isn't the only Gloucestershire location to feature in Rivals.

The Beaufort Polo Club also appeared on screen, alongside Chavenage House, portrayed as Declan O'Hara's (Aidan Turner) manor, The Priory. The nearby Berkeley Castle also stood in for Cameron Cook's (Nafessa Williams) residence, Hamilton Terrace.

Tetbury is even home to royalty, with Highgrove House serving as the private residence of King Charles and Queen Camilla. Royal enthusiasts can explore Highgrove through a garden tour or experience, with the option of adding afternoon tea, or alternatively browse the Highgrove shop on Tetbury High Street for luxurious gifts, homeware or country clothing.