6 min readThe eagerly-awaited second series of this steamy adaptation of Jilly Cooper's novel comes to Disney+ in the UK on Friday, 15 May 2026. The show's first season won an International Emmy Award for best drama, and we can't wait to see what happens in Rutshire this time around...
Set in the 1980s, Rivals revolves around the tense rivalry between Tony Baddingham and Rupert Campbell-Black, two media moguls who are vying for supremacy in the cutthroat TV world, with actors Alex Hassell and David Tennant playing the leads. Shooting for much of the series took place in Bristol in 2025 and early 2026, both on location across the city, assisted by Bristol Film Office, and at The Bottle Yard Studios.
Watch the series trailer here:
Rivals filming locations in Bristol
Many interior shots for the series were filmed at The Bottle Yard Studios in Bristol. The city was also used for many on-location scenes, thanks to Bristol Film Office.
St Mary Redcliffe Church
Queen Elizabeth I was reported to have said St Mary Redcliffe Church was ‘the fairest, goodliest and most famous parish church in England’. And if it’s good enough for Queen Elizabeth 1, it’s good enough for Rivals. Spot the church in season 2 and then visit the masterpiece yourself - book onto a guided tour of St Mary Redcliffe, which takes place on Fridays and Saturdays, and don’t forget to grab lunch in the crypt at Latino Street Bites Café – it’s as spicy as the series is!
Image - St Mary Redcliffe Church
Bristol Hippodrome
Bristol's grand theatre hosts multiple West End productions and top comedians throughout the year, and also welcomed the Rivals cast and crew last year! The theatre;s stage door on Denmark Street doubles for one in the West End - see if you can spot it!
Denmark Street is a cobblestoned, historic street which was also used for filming, and is home to many small, independent restaurants. Uncover the stories of this remarkable street and theatre on the Bristol TV and Film tour, bookable via Yuup, which also visits many Rivals filming locations.
Harbourside
See which of Bristol's maritime landmarks you can spot during the series, as on-location filming was done throughout the area.
There are numerous attractions dotted around the Harbourside, such as Brunel’s SS Great Britain, We the Curious, M Shed, Bristol Aquarium, Underfall Yard and the Harbour Railway, plus galleries such as Spike Island and Arnolfini. Refuel at Wapping Wharf, a collection of shipping containers housing independent shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.
Take a ride on the waterbus with Bristol Ferry, book a guided tour from Bristol Packet Boat Trips, or come to one of this summer's waterfront festivals, including Bristol Sounds and Bristol Craft Beer Festival.
Image - Bristol Harbourside, credit Bristol BID
Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel
This 150-year-old Grade II listed hotel provides a striking backdrop to Rivals season 2 for the nightclub scene with Maud and Declan, and has welcomed famous guests over the years, from Winston Churchill to Cary Grant, as well as the Rivals cast itself. Following an extensive refurbishment in 2019, Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel is a perfect place for a royally good stay in the city, close to the bustling harbourside, historic Bristol Cathedral, and the cheeky Well-Hung Lover mural by Banksy, just opposite.
Image - Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel
Aerospace Bristol
This museum in North Bristol is home to Concorde Alpha Foxtrot, the last Concorde to fly, which was also part-built nearby in Filton. Not only did this Concorde provide the backdrop for that raunchy opening scene of season 1 Rivals, but it is also reported to appear in season 2. Aerospace Bristol is open year-round to visitors, where you can step on board the Concorde and discover aerospace engineering history up close. Visit once and your ticket is valid for a whole year!
Image - Rivals filming at Aerospace Bristol
Berkeley Castle
Built in 1153, the stunning castle remains the home of the Berkeley family today, over 24 generations later. Once you’ve spotted it in Rivals in the Rutshire Cup polo match, go visit the castle yourself from spring to autumn and take a guided tour, stop off at the Kitchen Garden café and gift shop, or visit the LEGO Brick History exhibition, which is on until 10 June.
Image - Berkeley Castle
The Cotswolds
Rivals is packed full of stunning locations, many of which were filmed or inspired by the Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty just a short distance to the north of Bristol.
Scenes featuring Declan O’Hara’s home were filmed at Chavenage House in Tetbury, Gloucestershire, while nearby Berkeley House doubled as Cameron Cook's house for the series. Tony Baddingham’s House is actually Neston Park in Wiltshire, on the edge of the Cotswolds, with nearby picturesque market town Corsham given a retro makeover to become Cotschester.
Explore more of this scenic region with a guided tour or excursion - Rabbie's Tours offer both one-day and multi-day minivan tours of the Cotswolds in small groups, or you can book a private tour of the area with Cotswolds & Beyond or Royale Chauffeur Group.
Image - Corsham
After visiting Rivals filming locations, why not tap into some 80s nostalgia and go for a vintage styling session at SPARKS for the perfect outfit, whether your style is lycra, shoulder pads, sequins or oversized belts.
Then keep the retro feeling going with darts and cocktails at Flight Club, dance the night away at Club Tropicana – the UK’s biggest 80s night – at The Fleece, or enjoy a country garden lunch and lawn games at De Vere Tortworth Court.
Image - De Vere Tortworth Court
The first three of the 12 episodes of Rivals season 2 will be available to stream on Disney+ in the UK and worldwide from Friday 15 May 2026.
Read more:
- Rivals season 1 filming locations in Bristol
- 8 ways to have an 1980s ‘Rivals’ inspired break in Bristol
- Country house hotels near Bristol
- Film & TV in Bristol
All Rivals images credit: Disney+
