With the return of Rivals landing on Disney+ May 15, the Cotswolds is in the spotlight as the ultimate TV-inspired destination, where the series was filmed.

The second season, starring David Tennant as ruthless Tony Baddingham, Aidan Turner as journalist Declan O’Hara and Alex Hassell as rakish Rupert Campbell-Black, continues the adaptation of the late Dame Jilly Cooper’s beloved novel, “Rivals”, introducing the glamorous world of polo, high-society and scandal.

The Eighties-set comedy-drama taps into a growing travel trend: set-jetting. Following the success of drama The White Lotus, which saw bookings surge in Sicily and Thailand, travellers are increasingly choosing destinations based on what they see on screen.

And few places deliver that same cinematic charm quite like the Cotswolds.

“Right across the Cotswolds, there is a real plethora of stays to choose from depending on budget, family size and ambience,” says Richard Young, co-founder of Selfcatering.co.uk.

From grand hotels to tucked-away cottages, here are five of the best stays to channel your own Rivals-inspired countryside escape.

1. The Lygon Arms, Broadway, Worcestershire

For classic Cotswolds luxury, The Lygon Arms captures the timeless and historic charm that defines the region.

Located in Broadway in the very north of the region, Cotswolds Hideaways’ head of portfolio Ali Haynes describes it as “a chocolate-box Cotswold favourite, brimming with independent shops, tearooms, art galleries, eateries and pubs.”

It’s the perfect base for a refined countryside break. “Laid-back luxury is evident from the moment you arrive,” says Young.

This is particularly good for foodies, as Haynes notes Broadway is one of the best spots for eateries, from afternoon tea at The Lygon Arms, to local favourites like Russell’s and Broadway Deli.

Prices: From around £266 per night. Book via The Lygon Arms hotel website.

2. The Bull at Burford

The Bull at Burford (Image: The Bull at Burford)

For a livelier romp on countryside living à la Rivals, The Bull at Burford offers a great stay in one of the region’s most picturesque towns, only a 40-minute drive away from Oxford.

“Visitors will find a quintessential but buzzing English high street and a warm, welcoming feel wherever you go,” says Young.

It’s ideal for those who want the charm of the Cotswolds without feeling too remote – with shops, cafés and traditional pubs all within walking distance.

The Bull itself is a 16th-century coaching inn that has been reimagined as a boutique hideaway. Now owned by media executive Matthew Freud, the 1536-built property retains its characterful, slightly wonky exterior, staying true to its heritage on Burford’s sloping high street.

Inside, however, Freud has filled the space with an extensive personal art collection, with works displayed throughout giving it the feel of a relaxed, lived-in gallery.

The 18 bedrooms are designed for comfort, with generous proportions, soft furnishings and thoughtful details. Dining is also a highlight. The hotel’s open-fire restaurant, Wild, sits under canvas in the courtyard and has become a destination in its own right, making it a must even if you’re not staying.

Prices: From appox. £200 per night. Book via The Bull website.

3. Cowley Manor, near Cheltenham

For a stay that feels straight out of a modern drama, Cowley Manor Experimental offers a more contemporary take on the Cotswolds escape.

Set within a historic Italianate manor house just outside Cheltenham, the hotel blends heritage architecture with bold, design-led interiors from the Experimental Group.

There are subtle nods to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (the book’s author Lewis Carroll was said to have been a regular visitor), which was partly inspired by the estate, from rabbit motifs to playful detailing, but the overall feel remains smart and sophisticated.

Cowley Manor is recommended if you’re looking for a couples’ retreat, where days can be spent between the spa, indoor-outdoor pool and expansive gardens, or simply relaxing in the glass-walled pool area overlooking the grounds.

Evenings centre around the restaurant, where rich interiors and seasonal menus create a the ultimate romantic setting.

Prices: From around £399 per night. Book via the Cowley Manor Experimental website.

4. Lavender Cottage in Stow-on-the-Wold

The church in this Stow-on-the-Wold was believed to have inspired Lord of the Rings (Image: Getty)

If you’re planning to explore multiple villages, Stow-on-the-Wold is one of the best bases in the region.

“I’d say Stow-on-the-Wold is hard to beat,” says Young, “[as] it offers convenience, character and a great all-round base.”

Haynes agrees, noting that towns like Stow and nearby Chipping Norton – famous for being the location of former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson’s Farm – offer “boutique shops, historic pubs and scenic walks”, while surrounding villages such as Lower Oddington and Kingham provide a quieter, more authentic feel – often with some of the best pubs in the area.

This centrally located townhouse, sleeping six, puts all of that within easy reach.

For a classic Cotswolds day out, Young suggests visiting The Fox at Oddington for a pub lunch, or trying countryside pursuits such as Cotswold Valley Clay Shooting at Luckley Farm House for a truly luxurious, Rivals-inspired stay.

Price: From £805 for seven nights. Book via Selfcatering.co.uk.

5. Culls Cottage, Southrop

If you’re anything like Danny Dyer’s Rivals character, Freddie Jones, you may be wanting something more modern and contemporary.

If so, Culls Cottage is a stylish retreat that perfectly combines the cosy, countryside of the Cotswolds with an up-to-date touch.

Haynes highlights Southrop as a destination in its own right: “famous for its Grade I listed 12th-century church, beautiful stone buildings, village green and The Swan – a 17th-century pub – all within walking distance.”

The cottage itself pairs minimalist interiors with a large garden and has won Gold for Self Catering Accommodation of the Year 2024/25.

For something a little different, Haynes suggests trying a flamingo pedalo along the nearby River Thames.

Price: From £973 (short breaks)/£1,997 (seven nights, low season). Book via Cotswolds Hideaways.

Other things to do

Part of what makes the Cotswolds so appealing on screen and in real life is its ability to offer both escapism and substance.

As Haynes puts it, it’s about more than just where you stay. From the Longborough Festival Opera in Moreton-in-Marsh during the summer to historic gardens like Hidcote Manor, and from steam train journeys to afternoons spent in village pubs, the region offers a depth of experience that keeps visitors coming back.

While the drama of Rivals 2 may be fictional, the setting – thankfully – is entirely real.