Monday 13 July to Sunday 13 September 2026
Explore Portsmouth’s free city-wide public art trail featuring 45 stunning lion sculptures and a roaming unicorn, each designed by talented artists and inspired by the people, places and stories of Portsmouth.
Whether you’re aiming to find every sculpture or simply enjoy a day out with family and friends, there’s something to discover around every corner.
The trail at a glance
45 lions
Discover uniquely designed lion sculptures across the city.
1 Unicorn
Track down the roaming unicorn through the official app.
Free Trail
No tickets required – explore the trail at your own pace and find the whole pride.
9 weeks
Running from 13 July to 13 September 2026.
Family Friendly
A fun day out for all ages.
About the trail
As part of the Portsmouth100 centenary celebrations, we’re proud to partner with Wild in Art to bring a spectacular public art trail to the city.
Across the city, you’ll discover colourful lion sculptures and a unicorn, located in streets, parks and public spaces. Each one has been designed by an artist, celebrating Portsmouth’s people, places and character.
The lions and unicorn are inspired by the city’s crest, symbolising strength, pride, protection and resilience. You can find all 45 lions marked on the map. The unicorn will move around – download the app to track it down.
Open to everyone, the trail is a fun way to explore the city, enjoy creativity, and spend time outdoors.
See the trail come to life
Watch the Pride of Portsmouth trail take shape as lion sculptures are installed across the city. From arrival to installation, see how Portsmouth’s pride came together to create a colourful trail for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Plan your adventure
Download the trail map
Plan your Pride of Portsmouth adventure before you set off. The trail map shows where all 45 lion sculptures can be found across the city, helping you build your route and decide where to explore.
Locations shown on the map are approximate and should be used as a guide. For more precise sculpture locations, interactive navigation and to track the roaming unicorn, download the official trail app.
Download the app
With the Pride of Portsmouth app, you can:
- Find all 45 lion sculptures across the city
- Track down the roaming unicorn as it moves across the city
- Learn more about each sculpture, artist and sponsor
- Unlock and claim rewards
- Follow your progress and see how many sculptures you’ve discovered
- Plan your route and make the most of your day exploring Portsmouth
Get a printed map
Prefer a printed copy? Portsmouth Libraries are supporting the Pride of Portsmouth lion art trail by providing printed maps in libraries across the city. Maps are free for library and leisure card holders, or free if you sign up for a card. A £2 charge applies for non members.
Printed maps are available from:
- Central Library (Guildhall Square)
- Carnegie Library (Fratton)
- Cosham Library (Spur Road)
- Southsea Library (Palmerston Road)
- Portsea Library (John Pounds Centre)
- North End Library (Gladys Avenue)
- Paulsgrove Library (Marsden Road)
- Alderman Lacey Library (Baffins)
- Beddow Library (Milton)
Libraries also deliver reading and wellbeing programmes with The Reading Agency, including the Summer Reading Challenge and Reading Well. As part of the National Year of Reading, libraries offer a welcoming place for families to start or continue their trail.
Find out more on the Libraries and Archives website or follow them on social media:
- Facebook: @portsmouthlibraries
- Instagram: @portslibraries
Share your photos
Share your Pride of Portsmouth moments with us.
Take photos as you explore the trail and capture your favourite lions, whether you’re out with family, friends or visiting the city.
You can share your photos on social media using:
#PrideOfPortsmouth
#FollowTheLions
Your pictures help celebrate the trail, showcase Portsmouth’s creativity and inspire others to get involved.
Staying safe on the trail
Please help keep the trail enjoyable for everyone.
- Do not climb on the lion or unicorn sculptures
- Use safe crossing points
- Take care when stopping for photographs
- Keep to pathways where possible
- Supervise children at all times
- Respect the artwork and surrounding areas
By looking after the sculptures, you’re helping everyone enjoy the trail throughout the summer.
Spotted damage to a sculpture? Please report it so we can help keep the trail looking its best.
Travelling around Portsmouth
Portsmouth is easy to explore, making it ideal for a walking trail.
Many of the lion sculptures are located within walking distance of each other, so you can take your time and enjoy the city at your own pace. There are also regular bus and train services connecting different areas of the city, making it easy to travel between locations.
You can plan your route in advance or explore as you go. You may want to focus on one area at a time or make a day of visiting multiple parts of the city.
Where possible, please consider walking, cycling or using public transport while taking part in the trail.
How to apply
Submit your design idea through our online application form.
