H Is for Hawk is a 2025 drama film directed by Philippa Lowthorpe and written by Emma Donoghue, Philippa Lowthorpe, and Helen Macdonald. The movie stars Claire Foy, Brendan Gleeson, Denise Gough, Lindsay Duncan, and Sam Spruell. Here is a complete guide to the filming locations and behind-the-scenes details of this touching story.
The movie follows Helen, a woman who loses her father and slowly heals by training a stubborn hawk named Mabel. Their bond helps her find hope again. The film is set to release on January 23, 2026, in the United States.
Table of Contents
When and Where Was H Is for Hawk Filmed?
| Film Name | H Is for Hawk |
|---|---|
| Genres | Drama |
| Filming Locations | Cambridge, Wales, London, Cardiff |
| Filming Dates | October 2024 – Early 2025 |
| Cinematography by | Charlotte Bruus Christensen |
| Release Date | January 23, 2026 |
Filming for H Is for Hawk began in October 2024 in Wales and London, followed by major shoots in Cambridge in November 2024. The production also used locations in Cardiff, including a well-known church. Most of the filming took place in real outdoor streets, countryside areas, and historical university surroundings to give the film a natural and emotional look.
📍Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
Cambridge is the main filming hub of H Is for Hawk. Many outdoor scenes were shot on famous university streets and colleges.
One special filming spot was Chapel Court at Jesus College, where key moments of Helen’s life were filmed. The quiet courtyard, old stone walls, and peaceful surroundings helped show Helen’s emotional journey.
The movie also used streets like Trinity Lane, Trinity Street, Senate House Hill, and St John’s Street. These beautiful lanes create a true university-town feel and match the book’s atmosphere perfectly.
📍Wales, United Kingdom
Wales served as the filming spot for scenes that needed peaceful countryside views. Several rural and home-style shots were filmed here. The area’s open natural spaces were perfect for Helen’s emotional journey and her connection with the hawk, Mabel. The green landscapes helped bring authenticity to the story.
📍Cardiff, United Kingdom
A well-known filming location in Cardiff is St John the Baptist City Parish Church on St John Street. This church appears in some important scenes. The team selected this location because of its beautiful architecture and deep atmosphere, which added emotional depth to the movie.
📍Cardiff Bay Barrage, Wales
Address: Queen Alexandra House, Cargo Rd, Cardiff Bay CF10 4LY, United Kingdom
Some scenes of H Is for Hawk were filmed at the beautiful Cardiff Bay Barrage. This waterfront spot appears in the movie for moments that needed wide open views and a calm, peaceful setting. The area’s long walking paths, water views, and open sky helped show Helen’s emotional space as she tries to reconnect with life. The filmmakers chose this location because of its natural beauty and its quiet environment, which fit the tone of the story perfectly.
📍London, England
Parts of the movie were also filmed in London, especially exterior shots that were needed to show the busy city life around Helen. London’s mix of modern and old structures helped complete the film’s overall setting and gave the story a wider world beyond the countryside and university areas.
H Is for Hawk Behind the Scenes
To make your search for H Is for Hawk filming even more enjoyable, here is a behind-the-scenes note:
Claire Foy trained in real falconry for the role. The cast and crew also shared glimpses of filming days on social media, giving fans a closer look at the hawk Mabel and the beautiful UK locations.
Stay tuned! More behind-the-scenes updates will be added here.
Is there any trailer available for H Is for Hawk?
Yes! The official trailer for H Is for Hawk has been released on Lionsgate Films UK’s YouTube channel.
H Is for Hawk is set to be released on January 23, 2026, by Lionsgate.
FAQs
Q1: Where was H Is for Hawk filmed?
A1: The movie was mainly filmed in Cambridge, with extra scenes shot in Wales, London, and Cardiff.
Q2: What scenes were filmed at St John the Baptist Church in Cardiff?
A2: Important emotional scenes were filmed at this church because its historical design fit the tone of the story.
Q3: When did filming for H Is for Hawk begin?
A3: Filming started in October 2024 and continued into early 2025.
Q4: Can I visit the filming locations of H Is for Hawk?
A4: Yes! Places like Cambridge streets, Cardiff Church, and parts of Wales are open to the public. Check visiting hours before planning your trip.
This guide covers all the major filming locations and production details for H Is for Hawk. The movie’s beautiful landscapes and emotional story make it a must-watch for drama lovers.
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