Welcome to the Phoenix Journey...
An inspiring, family-friendly trail celebrating resilience, hope and the achievements of care-experienced people.
Set within the beautiful surroundings of Hilsea Lines and forming part of the wider Hilsea Lido redevelopment in Portsmouth, the Phoenix Journey will offer a unique outdoor experience for visitors of all ages.
Opening in late-2026 as part of Portsmouth’s 100-year city celebrations, this exciting community initiative will bring together storytelling, creativity and education to create something truly special for the city.
What is the Fair Ways Phoenix Journey?
Fair Ways Phoenix Journey is a creative and engaging outdoor experience designed for families, schools and the wider community.
The walking trail will feature a series of beautifully carved wooden installations, each representing powerful stories of resilience, perseverance and growth. As visitors follow the trail, they will discover characters and narratives that reflect the journeys of care-experienced people in a way that is accessible, meaningful and inspiring.
Blending nature, art and storytelling, the trail will transform a well-loved public space into a place of reflection, learning and connection.
Visit us
Located within the historic Hilsea Lines, the Phoenix Journey will offer a welcoming and accessible outdoor experience for the whole community.
Visitors can expect:
• A scenic, family-friendly walking route
• Engaging storytelling through creative installations
• Opportunities for learning and reflection
• A space to connect with nature and community
Whether you’re visiting with family, as part of a school group, or simply exploring the area, the trail will offer something meaningful for everyone.
Why it matters
At its heart, the Fair Ways Phoenix Journey is about celebrating the strength, achievements and potential of care-experienced people. For many young people, growing up without being raised by their birth parents can bring challenges. This project shines a light on the incredible resilience shown by those who navigate these experiences and go on to achieve great things.
By sharing these stories in a positive and engaging way, the trail aims to:
• Challenge perceptions around care experience
• Raise awareness across the community
• Promote understanding and empathy
• Celebrate success, strength and individuality
This is not just a trail, it’s a powerful statement about possibility, hope and the importance of seeing potential in every young person.
The Installations
A key feature of the trail will be its series of handcrafted wooden installations, each designed to represent stories of resilience and determination.
These installations will include characters with strong links to Portsmouth and well-known narratives that reflect themes of perseverance and growth, such as Charles Dickens, Oliver Twist and Baloo and Mowgli.
At the entrance to the trail, a striking Phoenix will welcome visitors - a powerful symbol of strength, hope and renewal.
Fair Ways Phoenix
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A larger than life Phoenix installation will mark the entrance to Hilsea Lido, and the starting point for the Phoenix Trail. The phoenix will be standing tall with its wings spread open as a show of power and pride. This resonates to care experienced individuals having been through challenges and change yet still find the courage to rebuild and move forward. Like the phoenix, leaving care can be about growth, independence and forging a new future - rising stronger than before.
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Proudly supported by:
Charles Dickens & Oliver Twist
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Charles Dickens is one of Britain’s best-known writers, famous for stories about childhood, hardship and injustice. He lived in Portsmouth as a young boy, gaining experiences that shaped the way he wrote about real life for vulnerable children. In Oliver Twist, Dickens tells the story of a child growing up without a safe home or family to rely on. His story is a reminder of how much kindness and safety matter, and that every child deserves to be treated with dignity and care.
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Proudly supported by:
Baloo & Mowgli
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Mowgli’s journey reflects the experience of being in care - he is separated from his birth family and grows up supported by others who keep him safe and help him learn about the world. Baloo becomes a steady, trusted figure in his life, offering guidance, protection and a sense of belonging. Together, they show how supportive relationships can help a child feel valued and find their place.
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Proudly supported by:
Our Partners
Looking to get involved?
Want to be involved in the Fair Ways Phoenix Journey?
Email us and ask for Tom, Fair Ways' Head of Fundraising