The Pride of Yorkshire Sculpture Trail is Coming
This Summer
Posted 22nd May 2026
Get ready for the biggest, most exciting public art trail South Yorkshire has ever seen! To celebrate the incredible 150th anniversary of Sheffield Children’s Hospital, a magnificent pride of 300 lion, lioness, and cub sculptures has officially broken loose across the region for summer 2026. Click here for moreSummer Holiday Events in Yorkshire
The Pride of Yorkshire trail is officially hitting the streets to celebrate a massive milestone: 150 years of the incredible Sheffield Children’s Hospital. Whether you are looking for a brilliant, budget-friendly day out with the kids, a unique weekend walk with friends, or a fun photo-hunting challenge, this trail is a must-add to your calendar.
What is the Pride of Yorkshire Trail?
Following the massive success of the Herd of Sheffield (elephants) and the Bears of Sheffield, the lions are now moving in! From 8th June to September 2026, the region will be transformed into a vibrant, free, open-air art gallery.
The trail will feature:
- 150 Large Lion & Lioness Sculptures: Stunningly decorated by artists and placed at major landmarks.
- 150 Little Pride Lion Cubs: Adorable smaller sculptures designed by local schools and community groups.
It's not Just for Kids! While the trail makes a perfect family summer day out, these public art events are a massive draw for all ages.
When Is The Pride of Yorkshire Trail?
Trail starts on 8th September and runs until September 2026
Where to Find the Lions?
The "Pride" is spreading far and wide! Unlike previous trails, this one isn't just limited to Sheffield—it spans across Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster, and Rotherham. Here's highwhere you can find them:
📍 Sheffield
Look out for lions at major shopping destinations, cultural hubs, and gorgeous green spaces, including:
- Meadowhall
- Sheffield City Hall & Fargate
- Sheffield Botanical Gardens & Weston Park
📍 Doncaster
Combine your lion-hunting with a great day out at these top Doncaster spots:
- Yorkshire Wildlife Park
- Doncaster Racecourse
- Doncaster Dome & Frenchgate
📍 Barnsley
The trail spans historic landmarks, town centers, and local communities, including:
- The Glass Works & Oakwell Stadium
- Elsecar Heritage Centre & Monk Bretton Priory
- Plus expansions into Penistone, Wombwell, and Hoyland
📍 Rotherham
Spot some incredible sculptures up close at some of Rotherham’s best family attractions:
- Magna Science Adventure Centre
- Wentworth Woodhouse
- Gulliver’s Valley
To see the full list of locations click here Full list of Lion Locations
Hunting For Lions: How It Works
It couldn't be simpler to get involved. Visitors will be able to follow the trail using a dedicated website and a printed map. As you explore, you’ll be able to track your progress, discover the inspiration behind each sculpture, and even unlock special rewards along the way!
Where To Get Your Trail Map
-
The Physical Printed Map
If you love a traditional map to tick off as you go, you can pick up a beautiful, official printed trail map for a small £1 donation to the Sheffield Children's Hospital Charity. Maps are stocked at official merchandise hubs across the four boroughs, including:
- Sheffield: Sheffield Cathedral (1554 Gift Shop), Atkinsons Department Store, Crystal Peaks, and local libraries.
- Rotherham & Meadowhall: The Meadowhall Customer Hub and local libraries.
Alternatively, you can download a free printable PDF version directly from the official Pride of Yorkshire website to print at home.
-
The Interactive Digital Trail
Want to gamify your adventure? You can log onto the official interactive Pride of Yorkshire digital trail site on your smartphone. As you find each lion, look for the unique code on its plinth to:
- Unlock special rewards, local discounts, and badges.
- Track your progress on a live digital map.
- Read the fascinating stories and inspiration behind every single artist's design.
Roaring For A Great Cause
While the trail is completely free to enjoy, it has a wonderfully important mission. The Pride of Yorkshire aims to raise £2.8 million to support the Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity.
The hospital provides extraordinary care to children and families from right across the South Yorkshire region. The funds raised from this trail will go directly toward a £20 million transformation of the hospital’s Emergency Department, creating a much calmer, brighter, and more child-friendly space for patients when they need it most.