Great Pagoda

Enjoy spectacular views across London from the heights of the Great Pagoda.

Great Pagoda at Kew

Due to the amber weather warning issued, the pagoda will be closed from 11 to 15 August 2025. With its challenging climb of 253 steps, it would be unsafe to attempt it in these extreme conditions. The safety of our visitors and colleagues is of the utmost importance to us. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Following a major restoration project, you can now reach the heights of the Great Pagoda and marvel at spectacular views across London. 

Kew’s Pagoda was completed in 1762 as a gift for Princess Augusta, the founder of the Gardens. It was one of several Chinese buildings designed for Kew by Sir William Chambers, who had spent time travelling and studying the architecture of East Asia. A popular ‘folly’ of the age, it offered one of the earliest and finest bird’s eye views of London – which you can enjoy today.  

Low angle shot of the Great Pagoda with a blue sky in the background. Dragons can be seen adorning the outside of the building.
Great Pagoda © Historic Royal Palaces
A view of the Great Pagoda from the Japanese landscape at Kew
Great Pagoda, RBG Kew
Carved dragons crouch on each floor of the Great Pagoda
Great Pagoda, RBG Kew

Visiting the Great Pagoda  

Please note that children aged 5-16 must be accompanied by an adult. We are not able to accommodate children under 5 climbing to the top of the Pagoda. 

Open 11am to 4.30pm (last entry 4pm)

Tickets are available online, at the gates or at the Pagoda.

Book online tickets

Nearest entrance 

Lion Gate. The Great Pagoda is located near the Temperate House and Pavilion Bar and Grill.

A little bit of history  

The Great Pagoda was restored in 2018 to its original 18th century splendour. This includes the 80 dragons which originally adorned the roofs, each carved from gilded wood.  

The dragons were removed in 1784 and were rumoured to have been sold to settle George IV’s gambling debts. However, experts believe that since they were made of wood, they had simply rotted over time. 

Detail of the green and gold dragons on the Great Pagoda
The Great Pagoda (Image: Historic Royal Palaces)
A historical paper sketch of the Great Pagoda

Still, the pagoda itself has stood the test of time and borne witness to key moments in British history. During the Second World War, British bombers tested their latest inventions in flight by making holes in each floor of the pagoda and dropping bombs down in secret - the repairs to the holes are still visible today. 

The exhibition reveals more about the history of the pagoda and how the Royal Family used this unique building. 

Discover more of Kew

Kew Gardens

Japanese Landscape 

Take a mindful moment in our tranquil Japanese gardens, a delicately manicured landscape designed to complement the Chokushi-Mon (Japanese Gateway).
Japanese Landscape
Kew Science

Celebrating the reopening of the Great Pagoda at Kew

In celebration of the reopening of the Great Pagoda after its extensive restoration, our archives hold treasures that reveal more to its story.
Reopening the Great Pagoda
Kew Science

‘Infinitely more curious than handsome’: Joseph Dalton Hooker and the Pyramids

Cam Sharp Jones explores some of the illustrative works produced by Joseph Dalton Hooker held in Kew’s art and archive collections, particularly those from a visit that Hooker undertook to see the Pyramids in Egypt.
Hooker and the Pyramids

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