Rivals is Hulu’s period drama and black comedy series based on the popular novel by Jilly Cooper. The series stars David Tennant, Danny Dyer, Alex Hassell, Aisling Bea, and Emily Atack. It is directed by Elliot Hegarty and written by Dominic Treadwell-Collins and Laura Wade. Here’s everything you need to know about the filming locations and behind-the-scenes moments of this exciting show
Rivals explores the glamorous and scandalous world of 1980s England, following the fierce rivalry between TV boss Tony Baddingham and his charming enemy Rupert Campbell-Black, set in the fictional county of Rutshire.
The series was released on October 18, 2024. Rivals is available to stream on Hulu in the U.S. and on Disney+ internationally.
Table of Contents
When and Where Was Hulu’s Rivals Filmed?
| Film Name | Rivals (2024) |
|---|---|
| Genres | Period Drama, Black Comedy |
| Filming Locations | Cotswolds (Gloucestershire), Wiltshire, Bristol, Somerset |
| Filming Dates | March 2023 – Late 2023 |
| Cinematography by | John Lynch, Carlos Catalán, Mark Nutkins |
| Release Date | October 18, 2024 |
The filming of Rivals took place mainly across South West England, featuring the beautiful countryside of Cotswolds and Wiltshire. Many indoor scenes were shot at The Bottle Yard Studios in Bristol, while outdoor sequences were filmed in Tetbury, Neston Park, and other nearby estates. The crew recreated 1980s England through authentic locations, vintage cars, and classic architecture.
📍Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Tetbury in the Cotswolds served as the fictional town of Cotchester in the series. The production transformed parts of Long Street with period-appropriate storefronts and cars to match the 1980s look. Its charming architecture gave the show its vintage and elegant atmosphere.
Tetbury, a historic market town in the Cotswolds of Gloucestershire, captivates visitors with its charming honey-colored stone architecture and rich royal connections, notably nearby Highgrove House. Strolling its elegant streets, you feel a connection to centuries of English heritage, especially at the majestic Market House. It’s a truly picturesque place where the pace of life slows down, inviting you to simply relax and soak in the quintessential Cotswold beauty.
📍Chavenage House, Gloucestershire
Chavenage House was used as “The Priory,” the home of Declan O’Hara. The stunning Elizabethan estate perfectly captured the grandeur and traditional beauty of Rutshire’s countryside. This same location was also used previously in Poldark, making it a favorite spot for British period dramas.
Chavenage House is a magnificent Elizabethan manor nestled in the rolling Cotswolds of Gloucestershire, offering a truly personal glimpse into centuries of British history. This authentic family home, built of mellow grey Cotswold stone, has a fascinating past tied to the English Civil War and even a famous headless coachman ghost story! Beyond its rich heritage, it’s instantly recognizable as a beloved backdrop for numerous period dramas, including Trenwith House in the popular BBC series, Poldark.
📍Neston Park, Wiltshire
This private estate represented the lavish home of Lord Baddingham. The outdoor garden party and dinner scenes were filmed here. Its beautiful lawns and stone architecture provided a royal and stylish backdrop for the series.
Neston Park in Wiltshire is a beautiful, historic estate known for its tranquil woodlands and sprawling parkland. It’s a place where generations have walked and gathered, offering a peaceful escape that feels rooted in the English countryside. Visitors often remark on the sense of calm and the stunning natural beauty that makes it such a cherished, grounding spot.
(Image 2: Hulu YouTube)
📍Bottle Yard Studios, Bristol
Address: Whitchurch Ln, Bristol BS14 0BH, United Kingdom
Most of the interior scenes, including the TV studio sets, were filmed at Bottle Yard Studios. The newly expanded TBY2 facility offered large sound stages and flexible production spaces. Additional scenes were filmed around Corn Street, Queen Square, and Harbour Hotel Bristol for sequences set in London and city areas.
In Bristol’s heart, where bottles once lined up, the Bottle Yard Studios now buzzes with a different kind of production—the magic of film and TV. This former factory has been brilliantly repurposed, fostering creativity and providing the West of England’s largest dedicated studio space. It’s a place where local talent and big-budget dreams come together, powering Bristol’s reputation as a dynamic UNESCO City of Film.
📍Aerospace Bristol, Filton
An exciting scene featuring a Concorde jet was filmed here. The sequence from Episode 1 shows a glamorous flight party, giving viewers a nostalgic glimpse into 1980s air travel.
Aerospace Bristol, nestled in Filton, is a captivating museum that brings the region’s rich aviation heritage to life, offering visitors an intimate look at engineering marvels. It’s a truly special place where you can step aboard the last remaining supersonic Concorde built in Britain, feeling the thrill of its history and the dreams of flight it represents. More than just a collection of aircraft, this location feels like a journey through human ingenuity, connecting you with the spirit of innovation that soared from these very grounds.
📍Ammerdown House, Kilmersdon, Somerset
Address: Christian College Ammerdown Hous, Radstock BA3 5SH, United Kingdom
The stunning Ammerdown House in Kilmersdon, Somerset, also appears in Rivals. Its vast gardens, grand staircases, and historic interiors were used for several elite social scenes in the series. You can easily spot Ammerdown House in both the series trailer and teaser, where it adds elegance and old-English charm to the background.
Ammerdown House, near Kilmersdon, Somerset, is a beautiful Grade I listed Neo-classical country house designed in 1788, set within serene, historic parkland. Today, the estate’s converted stables host the Ammerdown Centre, a peaceful retreat and conference venue founded on Christian principles of hospitality, peace, and reconciliation. The grounds, featuring gardens designed by Edwin Lutyens and the notable Ammerdown Column, offer a tranquil escape for reflection and learning in the heart of the countryside.
📍Casa de los Bates, Spain
Address: N-340, Km. 329, 5, 18000 Motril, Granada, Spain
Parts of the show were filmed internationally at Casa de los Bates, a luxurious villa in Motril, Spain. This location was chosen for scenes featuring the high-society parties and foreign settings of the 1980s elite. You can also catch glimpses of this grand estate in the trailer and teaser of Rivals, where its sunny courtyards and fountains add a glamorous European touch.
Step into the timeless elegance of Casa de los Bates, a stunning 19th-century manor nestled near Salobreña, Spain. This majestic estate, with its lush tropical gardens and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra Nevada, feels like a secluded paradise. It offers a glimpse into aristocratic history and provides a uniquely romantic and serene Andalusian escape.
Rivals Behind the Scenes
To make your search for Rivals filming even more interesting and enjoyable, we shared a behind-the-scenes look here.
The production team of Rivals worked closely with Filming in England and the Bristol Film Office to ensure smooth shooting across heritage sites and city locations. Cast members like David Tennant, Danny Dyer and others shared behind-the-scenes photos and fun moments on their Instagram accounts, showing the grand sets and beautiful countryside used in the show.
For more information about other shooting locations, stay tuned to this post. We will add more updates soon!
Is There Any Trailer Available for Rivals?
Yes, the official trailer for Rivals was released on Hulu’s YouTube channel. You can watch it here:
This detailed guide covers all the major filming locations and behind-the-scenes insights of Rivals (2024). The series beautifully captures the charm of the English countryside and 1980s luxury. For more information on filming locations of other movies and shows, stay tuned with us…
FAQs
Q1: Where was Rivals filmed?
A1: Rivals was mainly filmed in the Cotswolds, Bristol, Wiltshire, and Somerset. These locations were chosen for their classic countryside beauty and 1980s-style settings.
Q2: What scenes were filmed at Chavenage House in Rivals?
A2: Several key moments featuring Declan O’Hara’s home were filmed at Chavenage House because of its grand Elizabethan design and countryside charm.
Q3: When did the filming for Rivals begin?
A3: The filming of Rivals began in March 2023 and continued until late 2023 across multiple towns and studio locations.
Q4: Can I visit the filming locations of Rivals?
A4: Yes, some filming locations like Chavenage House are open for tours, while others such as Tetbury and Neston Park can be viewed from public areas.
Q5: When and where can I watch Rivals?
A5: You can watch Rivals (2024) on Hulu in the United States and on Disney+ internationally. It was officially released on October 18, 2024.