Fabulous free trail sees 45 lions hidden across the city to celebrate Portsmouth's centenary year
45 lions have been hidden around the city - can you find them all!?
Lion hunters have been prowling the city as the first official day of the Pride of Portsmouth trial finally got underway.
The free trail has seen 45 sculptures of lions - as well as a unicorn - hidden across the city from Monday, July 13 to Sunday, September 13 with residents and visitors alike invited to find them.
Some residents had a head-start over the weekend finding some of the sculptures which had already been put in place ahead of the start date. However it was from this morning that all of the lions and information were in position, prompting a flurry of walkers and cyclists to embark on their own journeys to see how many they could find.
As previously reported by The News, the lions have been placed across all areas of the city including Port Solent, Cosham, Hilsea, Copnor, Baffins, Fratton and Southsea - with The News’ lion called The Town Crier placed in Victoria Park.
However the location of the special unicorn is being kept under wraps - with the special sculture being moved around the city!
The free trail map is 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: "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 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!