prettiest

WHEN you think of beautiful attractions to go to on holiday, toilets are rarely top of the list.

But a shopping centre’s bogs have been called the most beautiful in the world – and they hardly look like the ones in Westfield.

The toilets are on the sixth floor of the Deji Plaza Mall in Nanjing in China.

Dubbed the world’s most beautiful bathroom by Architectural Digest, they opened back in 2022 and were designed by X+Living, a Shanghai-based architecture firm.

Inside, are seven relaxation areas as well as male and female toilets.

Visitors enter through what is known as the ‘Experience Hall’ with dark greens and nods to insects and plant life.

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For example, black and white tiles on the floor mimic butterfly wings with touches of gold meant resemble bees.

There’s even a lounge between the men’s and women’s loos, with plush pink sofas designed to look like a ‘flower blooming’.

Guests can make use of glowing vanities too, as well as wireless charging points, with a dressing room per loo.

For mums there is a nursery room and in case of an incident, there is a medical room as well.

The same shopping mall has more themed toilets on other floors.

For example, on the second floor the toilets have a retro style, on the third floor the theme is futuristic.

The fourth floor has a Japanese theme and on the fifth floor the design is ‘extravagant’ and even features a piano.

The sixth floor toilets have several viral videos on social media with people commenting: “That’s a toilet? It looks so much better than most hotels.”

Another person said: “It’s an experience, so much outfit of the day spots.”

A third person commented: “Never thought toilets would be a public attraction but those toilets are very beautiful.”

While nowhere near as grand, London‘s has new loos as well.

New public toilets were unveiled at the Grade-II listed, Piccadilly Circus Tube Station this week, described as “London’s newest tourist attraction”, according to The Standard.

Inside the loos, visitors are greeted by bold blue, pink and yellow tiles.

Murals have been designed by London-based artist James Lambert, with each tile hand-painted and hand-made.

The design of the toilets is inspired by Anteros, the god of requited love and features winged-figures and an arrow motif, meant to show “energy, spectacle, and connection”.

The motif of different lines and shapes is meant to reflect the Art Deco history of the area.

This includes the redesign of the underground station in the 1920s by Charles Holden.

Other venues nearby that feature an Art Deco design include Brasserie Zedel, which has gilded columns and a lavish American cocktail bar.

To see the toilets (or actually use them) at Piccadilly Circus Tube Station, you’ll need to pay the 80p entrance fee.

The toilets are part of a £12.7million council project to upgrade a total of eight public toilets in London including at Green Park, Covent Garden and Leicester Square.

For more toilet-based tourist destinations, last year a Victorian public toilet was turned into a hotel – in the middle of a historic city.

Plus, Tripadvisor’s top-ranked UK toilet is in Scots seaside town and even has its own visitors’ book.

Dorset’s Lyme Regis has been hailed as one of England’s best seaside destinations by UK travel influencer Amy Hulley, who shared her discovery of the charming beach town with her 434,000 Instagram followers

With January now done and dusted, countless Brits will be crossing their fingers and hoping for warmer weather so they can savour a delightfully sunny staycation. If that’s precisely what you have in mind, then ensure you don’t miss what has been dubbed England’s ‘prettiest seaside town’

UK travel influencer Amy Hulley showcased a reel featuring this stunning location on her Instagram account to her 434,000 followers. The spot she highlighted? The magnificent Dorset treasure that is Lyme Regis. Amy’s short clip captured her exploring all that Lyme Regis offers, from its gorgeous coastline to its delightful town centre and picturesque harbour.

In her post’s caption, Amy simply branded Lyme Regis as “one of the best”.

Her audience clearly agreed with her assessment, with one follower proclaiming: “I love Lyme Regis,” whilst another branded it their “happy place”.

Another supporter simply wrote: “Oh wow,” whilst someone else mentioned they were ‘adding it to their wish list’.

What is there to do in Lyme Regis?

There are numerous great activities you can do in the beautiful seaside town of Lyme Regis, which lies on the famous Jurassic Coast (a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its geology and fossils) with beaches, walks, museums, activities and more.

Beaches and outdoor activities

• Lyme Regis Beach – A lovely sandy and pebble beach perfect for sun, swimming, sandcastles, and bat & ball games.
• Lyme Regis Fossil Beach (Ammonite Pavement) – A great spot on Monmouth Beach for fossil hunting and seeing natural ammonite layers in the rock.
• Lyme Regis Front Beach – Walk along the seafront and enjoy cafes and views.

Exploring nature

• Stroll along the South West Coast Path for scenic cliff and bay views.
• Langmoor & Lister Gardens – Peaceful gardens overlooking the bay, great for picnics and relaxing.
• Fossils, museums and history
• Lyme Regis Museum – Local history, geology and fossils; built on the site of famous paleontologist Mary Anning’s former home.
• Dinosaurland Fossil Museum – Large private fossil collection with marine and dinosaur specimens, plus guided fossil walks available (check opening).
• Fossilwise – A visitor attraction focused on fossils and geology.
• Join guided fossil hunting walks (especially after storms) to search for ammonites, belemnites and more.

Water-based fun

• Lyme Rib Rides – Exciting rib boat trips around Lyme Bay.
• Lyme Bay Boat Trips – Sightseeing & Mackerel Fishing – Sightseeing and fishing trips from the harbour.
• Nick’s Fishing Trips – Local mackerel fishing experiences.
• Aquarium
• Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium – Small but enjoyable marine displays overlooking the Cobb.

Local culture, food and shops

• The Town Mill – Historic mill complex with artisanal shops, cafés, pottery, mill bakery and Lyme Regis Brewery close by for local brews.
• Independent shops, bookstores and cafes around town — great for souvenirs and browsing.

Heritage and walking

• Wander the iconic Cobb Harbour, famous from The French Lieutenant’s Woman and Jane Austen’s Persuasion — beautiful views and lots of historic charm.
• Walk parts of the Jurassic Coast trail or take scenic routes to neighbouring beaches like Charmouth (excellent for fossils too).

Events

• Lyme Regis Fossil Festival (usually around early May) — talks, guided walks, stalls, and activities celebrating the area’s geology and paleontology.