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Piccadilly Circus just unveiled ‘London’s newest tourist attraction’ and it only costs 80p to enter
Going for a wee in central London just got a whole more luxurious.
Westminster Council has unveiled newly-refurbished toilets in Piccadilly Circus Tube station; loos so pristine and unique, they’ve been described as ‘London’s newest tourist attraction’.
The colourful new bogs are the third of eight public toilets in the borough to be upgraded as part of a £12.7 million council scheme.
Piccadilly Circus follows Victoria Embankment and Parliament Street, whose freshened-up facilities were reopened in 2025.
The ones at Green Park Station are then set for the next makeover, with Carnaby Street, Westminster Bridge, Covent Garden and Leicester Square scheduled after.
However, just know that to enjoy their bold and bright designs (or, you know, use the toilet) you’ll have to cough up 80p.
Opened by the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Paul Dimoldenberg, in an official ribbon cutting ceremony, the new loos have been in the works for four years now.
The project first commenced back in 2022, when Westminster City Council commissioned Hugh Broughton Architects to refurbish the eight central London public toilets.
Wanting to combine ‘architecture, engineering, and art to deliver a holistic vision for equitable space in the heart of the capital,’ the firm’s instructions were to ensure residents and visitors had access to new and improved conveniences.
At the same time though, the council were after some statement loos — and let’s just say the architects filled the brief.
Each set of toilets was given its own design flair, with one of the prominent elements at Piccadilly Circus being Anteros’ arrow; an homage to the winged statue of the Greek god.
Tying this ‘vibrant, immersive space that reflects the creativity and cultural energy of the area’ together is a mural by London-based artist James Lambert, while other design features symbolise the area’s rich entertainment heritage, from theatres and cinemas.
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Fun decor aside, they also feature upgraded male and female toilets, a family changing facilities, and baby-changing amenities within both areas.
While sprucing up the place, the refurbishment also improved the historic subterranean structure of the station too, with part of the budget going towards drainage improvements and waterproofing to extend the site’s lifespan.
Sara Hassan, Westminster Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Ecology, Culture, and Air Quality, said: ‘Providing clean and accessible public toilets makes a real difference to people’s experience of our city.
‘By restoring this historic site and enhancing it with contemporary design and public art, the council is improving essential infrastructure and ensuring it reflects the unique character and cultural heritage of the West End’.
What’s been the public’s reaction to the new loos?
Considering public toilets in London aren’t always the cleanest or most inviting (given the number of people using them) these refurbishments have been welcomed on social media.
On X, @MichaelBoltonA wrote, ‘I approve of this initiative!’ while @hardy_lass added: ‘Absolutely stunning decor, I’d visit just for the pink columns!’
However, some hinted that we shouldn’t become too attached to the clean floors and sparkling sinks, including one user who claimed the colour scheme might not be as pretty with ‘the s*** that will be smeared up the walls by the end of the week.’
On top of this, a number of people expressed upset at the 80p charge, with @chunkyboyjames writing: ‘Nobody should have to pay to take a piss.’
Currently, most major Network Rail stations, including Paddington, King’s Cross, Liverpool Street, Victoria, Charing Cross, Cannon Street, and Waterloo, have free public toilets.
Do you think you should have to pay for public loos?
Additionally, the Community Toilet Scheme — an initiative introduced in 2008 that encourages local businesses to allow public access to their toilet facilities — has been a crucial help for countless folks stuck in central London desperate for a wee.
Small charges are generally enforced to help with the cost of maintenance and upkeep, and oftentimes to deter vandalism or anti-social behaviour.
However, given it’s become more and more contentious over the years.
So will the 80p charge put tourists and locals off? Or will our Instagram feeds soon be filled up with selfies in front of those iconic pink and blue tiles?
Why aren’t there enough public loos in London?
Accessibility and availability of public loos in the capital is a major concern right now.
In January 2025, Age UK released its ‘Lifting the Lid’ report, aiming to increase our understanding about public toilet provision in London.
Data gathered by Age UK through a Freedom of Information request revealed there were fewer than 22 toilets per borough — and, over the last decade, three times as many public toilets have been
closed by local authorities as have been opened.
Toilet poverty impacts thousands of Londoners, many of whom shared with the charity that they feel uncomfortable leaving the house in case they’re unable to find an accessible toilet on the go.
As such, Age UK London has called for both local and national government to take ‘urgent action’ to improve the current provisions.
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