Based on the award-winning memoir by Helen Macdonald, H is for Hawk captures an emotional journey of grief after Macdonald’s father dies – and their consequent decision to train a Eurasian goshawk.
Having been a falconer for many years previously, Macdonald combines personal insight with nature writing and the tradition of falconry.
The novel is Cambridge-set, but where did filming actually take place?
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Where is H is for Hawk filmed?
The majority of filming took place in locations around South Wales and Cambridge in late 2024 – with the film being co-produced by Cardiff-based Good Gate Media.
South Wales
A property was used for filming in the Pontcanna area of Cardiff – with its Victorian and Edwardian-style terraces possibly mimicking the buildings found in Cambridge, where the novel is set.
Film crews were also spotted in the seaside town of Penarth.
Cambridge
Helen Macdonald was teaching and studying at Cambridge University at the time of writing H is for Hawk, so much of the filming took place in Cambridge city centre – and lead actor Claire Foy (who also appeared in The Crown) was spotted with a goshawk perched on her arm.
Cambridge News reported that filming was taking place in the following streets:
- Trinity Lane
- Trinity Street
- St John's Street
- Senate House Hill
- Wheeler Street
- Free School Lane
