And if you’ve caught the Jilly Cooper equestrian bug then let us tell you… nobody rivals the Cotswolds for horsey sets.
So come with us and follow in the footsteps of Rupert Campbell-Black and Taggie O’Haray on our Central English Horsewolds tour.
Acceptable in the Eighties
Tetbury: Rivals revives the decade of shoulder pads and jodhpurs in the quaint rural village of Tetbury.
Where its good burghers transformed Long Street’s independent shops with Eighties-style frontages.
Replacing road signs with Cotchester ones and even hanging banners to welcome Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
Georgian church St Mary’s, doubles as the parish church of Cotchester for a key wedding scene.
While the Grade II listed Berkeley House on the Chipping stood in as the home of American TV producer Cameron Cook.
Beyond its screen credentials, visitors can expect antique dealers, gastropubs and the eccentric Woolsack Races each May.
Cotswolds’ rich tapestry
Chavenage: Grade I listed Elizabethan manor Chavenage House just outside Tetbury, is one of the Cotswolds’ vaunted screen sets.
The honey-stoned 16th-century property served as The Priory, home to Aidan Turner’s TV presenter Declan O’Hara.
And we can arrange group reservations and wonder at the fine 17thcentury tapestries.
A Polo mint
Polo Country: Chukka this our way… Cirencester Park Polo Club, set within the magnificent Bathurst Estate.
The Beaufort Polo Club was a filming location for Series 2 with lessons and courses through its polo school.
King of the Castle
Berkeley Castle: Where any Rivals fan worth their money will tell you the Rutshire Cup polo match was filmed, in episode 1 of season 2.
Built in 1153, the castle remains the home of the Berkeley family today, over 24 generations later.
Once you’ve spotted it in Rivals, go visit the castle yourself from spring-autumn and take a guided tour.
Stop off at the Kitchen Garden café and gift shop, or visit the LEGO Brick History exhibition on now until 10 June.
Supersonic
Aerospace Bristol: Home to Concorde Alpha Foxtrot, the last Concorde to fly.
And, of course, the backdrop for that raunchy opening scene of season 1 Rivals.
It is also reported to appear in season 2.
Aerospace Bristol is open year-round to visitors, and go once and your ticket is valid for a whole year.
Right royal party
Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel: The 150-year-old Grade II listed hotel is the backdrop to Rivals season 2 episode 1 where characters Declan and Maud O’Hara stay.
It has also welcomed famous guests over the years, from Winston Churchill to Cary Grant.
And you’ll have one up on them with your view, as the cheeky Well-Hung Lover mural by Banksy, just opposite.
And a cameo from Jilly
Cosy Club Bristol: The author made her own cameo in season 1 in the lavish setting ofCosy Club Bristol.
Visit this opulent restaurant for an Eighties feast of steak and chips, some sumptuous prawns and a classy cocktail.
And channel your inner Freddie Jones, aka Danny Dyer, in Queen Square, drove a battery-powered Sinclair C5 in season 1, too.