🦅 Soaring High at Warwick Castle- The Falconer's Quest

Tom Norman
Apr 15
2 min read

If you're heading to Warwick Castle and wondering which show is worth your time, let me save you the guesswork — The Falconer’s Quest is an absolute must-see. It’s a unique, high-octane blend of history, storytelling, and jaw-dropping bird displays that left me, quite literally, with my mouth open more than once.

🎭 The Spectacle

Set along the beautiful River Avon, the open-air arena for The Falconer’s Quest is a stunning backdrop. But the show’s true stars are the birds — and what a cast they are. From swooping kites and hawks to the sheer majesty of eagles and vultures, this isn’t your average falconry show. It’s a choreographed aerial dance with more than 60 birds of prey taking flight throughout the 30-minute performance.

The story follows the character of Hobby, the falconer’s apprentice, on a quest to discover the greatest birds across the land. It’s family-friendly, gently educational, and keeps things moving with plenty of spectacle. There’s a thread of historical fiction woven through the narration, but it never drags — instead, it elevates the action and helps make the whole thing feel like more than just a demonstration.

🐦 The Birds

Honestly, these birds are the show. Some of the highlights for me:

Bald eagle
A team of red kites
An Andean condor
The finale: Dozens of birds filling the sky at once. It’s chaotic, thrilling, and unforgettable.

The handlers clearly care deeply for these animals and talk knowledgeably about conservation, falconry history, and each species involved. It adds depth to the entertainment and makes you feel like you’re part of something meaningful.

🎟️ Accessibility & Vibe

The show is included with your castle ticket and runs multiple times daily during peak season. Seating is ample, but i would recommend getting there at least 20 minutes early for the best views — especially if you want to be close enough to feel the wind from a vulture’s wings.

Kids were absolutely transfixed, and the adults around me were just as engaged. It hits that perfect balance between family show and genuinely thrilling experience.

🎒 Top Tips

Bring binoculars if you want to really admire the birds in flight.
Sit central or to the left (facing the river) — many of the big swoops come from the castle wall behind and arc toward that direction.

🏰 Final Verdict

The Falconer’s Quest is not just a highlight of Warwick Castle — it’s one of the best live bird shows I’ve ever seen. It’s exciting, beautifully staged, and filled with moments that will stay with you long after the last feather has settled. Whether you're a bird nerd, a history buff, or just along for the ride, this is one quest worth taking.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 – A soaring success!