Rivals is returning for season 2 and Bristol viewers are bound to recognise some of its iconic filming locations.
13:46, 13 May 2026Updated 10:03, 15 May 2026
Alex Hassell plays Rupert Campbell-Black(Image: PROPERTY OF DISNEY+)
The second season of Rivals has debuted on Disney+ and fans are desperate to know more about the TV show’s stunning filming locations, including ones across Bristol.
Season 2 takes us back to the beautiful Cotswolds setting of Rutshire, where the lives of its glamorous residents are anything but serene.
The synopsis from Disney reads: “The battle for the Central South West television franchise reaches fever pitch as the war between Corinium and Venturer enters a dangerous new phase.
“More ruthless than ever, Tony Baddingham is determined to dismantle his rivals piece-by-piece, weaponising scandal and manipulating those closest to him to maintain his grip on power.
Filming took place across the UK(Image: PROPERTY OF DISNEY+)
“Amidst the hedonistic glamour of 80s excess, the personal lives of our Rutshire heroes spiral into chaos.
“Marriages fracture under the weight of ambition, illicit affairs threaten to shatter families, and long-buried secrets ignite with explosive consequences. As rivalries push everyone to the brink, loyalties are tested and hearts are broken in the pursuit of victory. But what is the true cost of war?”
Rivals has an incredibly star-studded cast(Image: PROPERTY OF DISNEY+)
Where is Rivals season 2 filmed?Bristol
David Tennant plays Lord Tony Baddingham(Image: PROPERTY OF DISNEY+)
The production of Rivals is based at The Bottle Yard Studios (TBYS) in Bristol, with 95% of the locations featured in the series filmed within a 30-mile radius of TBYS, across Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset, all supported by a network of Film Offices across the West of England.
Deborah Armstrong, Country Manager, The Walt Disney Company UK & Ireland noted at a special screening event in Bristol last night: “Rivals has captured the attention of the nation whilst showcasing the very best of British and Irish talent across cast, crew and beyond. The West of England, and Bristol in particular, have been integral to the show’s success.
“Disney is proud of the role we play in Bristol’s thriving creative ecosystem. Our presence spans the production of local Originals such as Rivals and National Geographic documentaries, as well as bringing audiences together through live experiences, including our recent sell-out stage show, The Greatest Showman.”
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Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, added: “The West Country is proud to be the real-life Rutshire, somewhere seen by people all around the world – and something which is inspiring more visitors to come to, and fall in love with, our region.
“We should celebrate the immense on-screen and off-screen talent that goes into making programmes like Rivals, and so it was really special to bring together so many of the people who made this production possible. Like Her Majesty The Queen, I was blown away last year while visiting Dame Jilly Cooper’s unrivalled universe first-hand at The Bottle Yard Studios in south Bristol.
“The economic impact of filming TV is huge for jobs and businesses in the West of England, which we want to super-charge through our new £25 million Creative Places Growth Fund. Rivals being made here has directly and indirectly helped add millions of pounds to the country’s fastest-growing regional economy. We look forward to continuing to work with Disney+, Happy Prince, and ITV Studios in the future to create more magic in our part of the world.”
Rivals’ Sarah Stratton actress Emily Atack also previously posted an Instagram picture of the cast filming in Bristol, revealing the popular South Western location would once again be used as a backdrop for the hit Disney Plus show.
Two iconic Bristol establishments – The Cosy Club Bristol and the Harbour Hotel on Corn Street – have reportedly been used during the filming of season 2.
Gloucestershire
The historic Berkeley castle in Gloucestershire was used(Image: Photo by: Geography Photos/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
EastEnders legend Danny Dyer, who plays Freddie Jones in Rivals, was previously spotted alongside Rupert Campbell-Black actor Alex Hassell as they filmed scenes at the Beaufort Polo Club in Berkeley, Gloucestershire.
Polo plays an important part in the late Dame Jilly Cooper’s Rutshire Chronicles, on which Rivals is based.
Additionally, fans have spotted filming taking place in Gloucestershire’s stunning Berkeley Castle and its surrounding town.
Wiltshire
Filming took place in the quiet town of Corsham, Wiltshire(Image: Photo by: Geography Photos/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Eagled-eyed Rivals fans also spotted Doctor Who icon David Tennant shooting scenes alongside Claire Rushbrook, who plays Lord and Lady Baddingham respectively, in a quiet Wiltshire town.
They were seen on the high street of Corsham, which was transformed into a Cotswolds town from the 1980s, with shopfronts being changed to reflect the era.
The first three episodes of Rivals season 2 are now available to watch on Disney+, with additional episodes dropping weekly.