Planning to explore the Pride of Portsmouth lion art trail? Here you’ll find answers to common questions about the trail, including when it’s running, where to find the lions, how to take part and what to expect.
The trail is a free, city-wide event celebrating Portsmouth’s people, places and culture. Whether you’re visiting for the day or discovering it over time, these FAQs will help you make the most of your experience.
What is the Pride of Portsmouth lion art trail?
The Pride of Portsmouth lion art trail is a colourful, city wide public art trail featuring artist designed lion sculptures displayed across Portsmouth.
The trail forms part of the Portsmouth100 centenary celebrations, marking 100 years of city status. Each lion is uniquely designed by a commissioned artist and inspired by Portsmouth’s people, places, coastline and culture, inviting residents and visitors to explore the city in a fun, free and family friendly way.
When does the trail run?
The trail runs from Monday 13 July to Sunday 13 September 2026.
The lions will be in place for the full duration of the trail and can be visited at any time, subject to opening hours of locations which can be found on the app.
Where are the lions located?
The lions are placed in publicly accessible locations across Portsmouth.
A digital map, paper map and trail app will be available to help people find the sculptures and plan their route. Locations are spread out across the city, so people can explore them gradually or focus on specific clusters.
Locations will be announced ahead of the trail launch.
A digital map and trail app will be available before the trail starts.
Printed paper maps will also be available in libraries across the city. They are free to library and leisure card holders, or you can purchase for £2.
How many lion sculptures will there be?
The trail will feature 45 lion sculptures and one unicorn, each designed by a commissioned artist.
Why lions?
In Portsmouth, the lion is a powerful and recognisable symbol. It features on the city’s crest and represents strength, resilience and pride, all of which reflect Portsmouth’s identity and heritage.
The design of the Pride of Portsmouth lions is also inspired by the lion statues that guard Portsmouth Guildhall, linking the trail directly to one of the city’s most iconic civic landmarks.
Why a unicorn?
As part of the Pride of Portsmouth art trail, one unique unicorn sculpture will join the lions, linking directly back to the full crest and adding a distinctive element to the trail.
The unicorn is inspired by the sea unicorn in the historic Portsmouth city crest, where it represents protection and reflects the city’s strong maritime identity.
How do you take part in the trail?
All you need to do to take part in the trail is use the prideofportsmouth.co.uk website to find the lions, or download the free app, and then visit the lions across the city.
If you use the app, you will be able to record your progress on the trail by ‘collecting’ lions by entering the unique four-digit code on each lion sculpture. There are small rewards provided by sponsors for collecting some of the lions.
Where can I get the app?
The app will be available to download before the trails starts for Apple and Android devices. There will be a link on the trail website before the trail starts.
Do you have to pay to take part?
No – the Pride of Portsmouth Lion Art Trail is completely free to enjoy.
Anyone can take part by exploring the city, discovering the lions and following the trail at their own pace. The app is free to download. You can get a paper map for free from Portsmouth libraries if you have a library or leisure card.
How is the Pride of Portsmouth lion art trail funded?
The majority of the trail is funded through sponsorship, with each lion supported by a local business or organisation. These generous contributions have covered most of the costs of creating and delivering the trail.
Additional funding has been provided through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Community Infrastructure Levy.
Why is the trail called Pride of Portsmouth?
The trail is called Pride of Portsmouth for two reasons. First, a group of lions is known as a pride, making it the perfect name for a city-wide lion trail. Second, the trail is a celebration of everything that makes Portsmouth special – its people, places, history, creativity, and community spirit.
What happens to the lions after the trail?
Some of the lions will be retained by their sponsors, as part of the sponsorship arrangements, and some will be kept as public art as part of the city’s collections and used for future exhibitions and events. We are finalising plans for the remainder of the lions, as we understand people are interested in what happens next, and we will update the website soon.
Will there be an opportunity to see the lions after the trail?
We are currently finalising plans for the lions after the trail. Watch this space for more information about future opportunities to see the pride on the prowl.
How to apply
Submit your design idea through our online application form.
