Locations of lions in the free Pride of Portsmouth trail revealed as countdown to its start begins

Get ready to roar with excitement as the locations of the lions in Portsmouth’s fabulous free trail can finally be revealed.

The free Pride of Portsmouth trail will see 45 sculptures of lions - and a unicorn - hidden across the city from Monday, July 13 to Sunday, September 13 with residents and visitors alike invited to find them.

Over eight weeks, the city will come alive with the pride of lion sculptures, each uniquely designed by talented artists to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Portsmouth receiving city status. And now for the first time The News can exclusively reveal where they will all be placed.

The trial map shows the position of each of the lions across all areas of the city including Port Solent, Cosham, Hilsea, Copnor, Baffins, Fratton and Southsea - with The News’ lion called The Town Crier being placed in Victoria Park. However the location of the special unicorn is being kept under wraps!

The free trail map will also be available in all Portsmouth libraries - just show your library card when you visit, pick up your map and start your adventure. Maps for those without a library card can also be bought for £2. The map will also be at prideofportsmouth.co.uk.

The trail, developed in association with Wild in Art, will include an app to download and ‘unlock’ each lion as you find them. For every lion which is unlocked there will be more information and rewards for those taking part.

Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council said: "With the Pride of Portsmouth map now available, the excitement is really building.

This trail is a fantastic celebration of our city, bringing together creativity, community spirit, and local pride. I encourage everyone to pick up a map, plan their route and get ready to discover these incredible lions across Portsmouth this summer."

The Pride of Portsmouth trail is the centrepiece of the Portsmouth100 celebrations with hundreds of events - big and small - taking place throughout the city in 2026 as part of a year-long birthday celebration.

A spokesperson for Portsmouth City Council said: “Whether you’re a local or a visitor, young or young at heart, this trail promises discovery, inspiration, and a whole lot of fun.

“Join in the fun as Portsmouth celebrates 100 years of city status and rich heritage, with art that’s bold, beautiful, and bursting with pride. Follow the lions, discover the pride!”

And the best news is that there is still more to come with even more fantastic events planned for the second half of 2026 - many of them free!

For more details and a link to the app to download visit The Pride of Portsmouth lions trail website here.