You’ve heard of horse racing. You’ve probably even seen the occasional sheep race at a countryside fair. But ostriches—in Britain? That’s right. The UK’s eccentric sense of humour and love of the absurd has, at least in a few fleeting feathers, embraced one of the most bizarre sports on earth: ostrich racing.
And while it’s not galloping its way across mainstream British sport just yet, this niche attraction is unexpectedly real, surprisingly hilarious, and utterly unforgettable.
🐦 Wait… Ostriches? In the UK?
Though ostrich racing is more commonly associated with places like South Africa or the American Southwest, where the climate—and birds—are naturally suited, the UK has dipped its toes (and boots) into the world of feathered speed thanks to rural fairs, novelty festivals, and the occasional adventurous farm.
These events don’t happen every weekend, and you’re unlikely to stumble upon an ostrich derby in central London, but with a bit of planning and a sense of humour, you can track down this outrageously niche spectacle.
📍 Where Can You (Maybe) See Ostrich Racing in the UK?
While it’s rare and often one-off, here are a few places and events where ostrich racing has made a flap in the past:
🏇 1. Nocton Ostrich Farm (Lincolnshire) (closed to the public now, but once famous)
This was one of the UK’s original commercial ostrich farms, known for everything from ostrich meat to quirky public events. In its heyday, it hosted novelty ostrich rides and races, sparking public fascination.
🎪 2. Rural County Shows and Fairs
Some larger country shows (think Shropshire, Yorkshire, or Devon) have experimented with quirky entertainment over the years. Ostrich racing occasionally appears alongside duck herding, lawn mower racing, and medieval jousts.
🦶 3. Private Animal Parks & Adventure Farms
Certain animal adventure parks have hosted ostrich race demos or interactive educational shows—though nowadays, they’re more likely to focus on conservation rather than competition.
⚠️ Note: Live ostrich racing is no longer common or encouraged due to animal welfare concerns, and most UK venues now stick to demonstrations or simulated “races” using costumes, animatronics, or audience participation. Still fun, just a bit less feathery chaos.
🧢 What’s It Like to Watch an Ostrich Race?
Imagine a jockey in full gear clinging to a 9-foot-tall, 150 kg bird that wants nothing more than to go in the opposite direction of the track. Now add the unpredictability of British weather and a cheering crowd in wellies, and you’ve got a recipe for surreal, slapstick entertainment.
Ostriches can reach speeds of up to 40 mph, but in the UK, most races are less about speed and more about spectacle.
Highlights include:
- Wild sprints (often in the wrong direction)
- Spectators dressed as ostriches for charity runs
- Commentary that sounds like a Monty Python skit
🇬🇧 Why Does This Feel So… British?
Because it is. Ostrich racing, when it has appeared, fits perfectly into the UK’s long-standing tradition of eccentric rural pastimes—from cheese rolling in Gloucestershire to bog snorkelling in Wales.
It’s quirky, community-driven, and self-aware. No one takes it too seriously, and that’s precisely the point.
🐣 Ethical Considerations
In recent years, animal welfare concerns have led to a decline in live ostrich racing in the UK (and globally). Most modern events now lean toward:
- Costumed human races
- Educational talks
- Simulated “races” using props or mascots
If you’re an animal lover, look for events that focus on ostrich conservation, education, or ethical animal interaction.
✨ Final Thoughts: For the Birds, But Brilliant
While ostrich racing isn’t a regular fixture on the UK travel scene, it captures something wonderfully British: a flair for the oddball, a nod to the theatrical, and a fondness for laughing at the absurd.
So whether you’re chasing the next wild countryside event or just want a great travel story to tell, keep your eyes peeled for feathered fun in unexpected places. You might not find a Grand National for birds, but you will find something worth smiling about.
Have you ever seen an ostrich race—or taken part in a truly weird travel experience in the UK? Let’s swap stories. Feathers optional.