THE release of Rivals series two has thrust the Cotswolds into the spotlight once more.
Brits are seeking out the pretty scenery of Rutshire with its stone cottages, rolling countryside and delightful pubs in beautiful villages like Kemble.
Data from Trainline revealed that since Rivals returned on May 18, passengers to Cotswolds ‘gateway stations’ have risen by an average of 22 per cent.
That includes the tiny town of Kemble which is a 12-minute drive away from Cirencester.
Kemble is considered a ‘rail gateway’ for the southern Cotswolds as it’s one of the smaller spots that actually has a train station and a direct link to London.
With Great Western Railway, visitors can get from London Paddington to Kemble in just over an hour.
The small train station was built in 1882 and is now a listed building.
It’s considered one of the prettiest in the country thanks to retaining its original Victorian features.
It even has its old water tower which was once used to fill steam trains that called by the station.
Outside of the train station and visitors can easily explore Kemble, as it’s pretty tiny.
Kemble has a school, village hall, village shop, Cotswold-stone clad cottages and a pub called The Tavern Inn.
The Tavern Inn is a mere 10-minute walk from the train station and is ideal for a pint pit stop or hearty pub grub.
One visitor to the pub said: “Fantastic Spot. What a lovely place. From the moment you step inside you know you have found a gem.”
Another added: “Food and staff fantastic home from home feel – a lovely beautiful spot.”
A third said it serves up the ‘best’ Sunday roast.
The village is popular with hikers too, many take on the River Thames walk.
From Kemble, this walk takes you to Thames Head which is the official source of the River Thames.
Heading south, the path heads to the Cotswold Country Park & Beach which has the UK’s largest inland beach.
Along with the beach, it has swimming lagoons, snack huts and visitors can get on the water with paddleboards, pedalo swans or rowing boats.
During the summer it also has a huge aqua inflatable.
Right next door to the village is Cotswold Airport which is mostly used for private jets and charters.
But it is open to the public on certain weekend for events.
This year, Cotswold Airport Open Weekend is between July 4-5 with an aircraft, vintage aircraft displays, classic cars, live music and tours.
For those who want a great view of the runway, the airport has its own restaurant called AV8 where visitors sit on the terrace and look out over the airfield.
Other villages in the Cotswolds that have seen an increase in visitors since the release of series two of Rivals are Moreton-in-Marsh and Charlbury.