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Climbing the Great Pagoda at Kew Gardens

Over the Summer Holidays, we visited Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Gardens which is a great place to explore with kids. I do love Kew gardens and if we lived closer then I think we would become members as there is so much to do. We never get everything done on the day trip and they are constantly putting on events and activities during the school holidays. We also enjoy a visit to their sister garden at Wakehurst which also make a very family-friendly day out. One of the things we have always wanted to do was climb the Great Pagoda at Kew Gardens. But for one reason or another, we have never managed it. Now it has been restored to ts former glory, in the Summer we did just that.

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The Great Pagoda at Kew Gardens

Where is the Pagoda at Kew Gardens

The Pagoda at Kew Gardens is located in the far North corner of the gardens. There are several different entrances to Kew Gardens. The closest gate to Kew Pagoda is Lion Gate. It s also quite close to the Pavilion Bar and Grill which offers refreshments, toilets and a gift shop. If you are coming from another part of the gardens then you will not miss it. As there is a great big grassed walkway that runs up to it called the Cedar Vista.

What is the Pagoda in Kew Gardens?

A brief history of the pagoda – the Great Pagoda at Kew was finished in 1762. The unique building was built by architect Sir William Chambers who had spent time studying and travelling in Asia. It was built as a birthday gift for Princess Augusta who was the founder of Kew gardens. Such follies were very popular at the time and it was also the first building to give the finest bird’s eye views across London. At the time it raised quite a commotion among the suspicious public who were not too sure of the ambitious building.

The Chinese-style building has recently undergone a two-year project to put it back to its original state. The restoration of the building has seen the octagonal tower restore to its original splendour. This included adding new dragons which are covered in gold leaf as the previous ones disappeared. It was thought that they were used to pay Prince Regent’s gambling debts. But monitoring one dragon that has been painted in the same materials as the old ones would have been in the eighteenth century. Has indicated that they could have just deteriorated with the paint already losing its protective shine. You can see the difference between the dragons below.

Can you climb the pagoda at Kew Gardens?

Yes, you can climb to the top of the Great Pagoda but only during high season which generally runs from April to September. You may be able to visit on private tours run through the heritage charity Historic Royal Palaces. If you are visiting outside of this time then you can still see the Pagoda from the ground and the amazingly craved and beautifully painted wooden dragons which adorn the corners on each level. Unlike normal pagodas or Chinese towers which have seven floors, the one at Kew has 10. Bear this in mind as there is obviously no lift to get you up the 253 steps. And although you can pause on each floor and some have a bench on them to sit on. The Great Pagoda at Kew Gardens is 163 feet tall.

How do you get tickets for the Kew Pagoda?

You can book tickets in advance when you book your garden tickets. Although on the day we visited we hadn’t done this not realising it was open. We managed to walk up and go in. Although numbers are limited. And so I would suggest that this is on your must-see list to book your timed entry ticket. As we noticed quite a queue later in the day.

Open from 11 am to 4.30 pm last entry is at 4 pm. Adults cost £4.50 and children aged 5-16 cost £3. Children under the age of five are not permitted above the ground floor. Although to be honest I think Harry’s favourite part was on the ground floor. So it is still worth having a look inside if it is not too busy.

What will you see inside?

I can understand why Harry’s favourite part was the bottom. There are pictures of key individuals painted onto the walls. With key explanations around their key roles in the Great Pagoda. There are details on The King who was King George III, The King’s Mother who was Princess Augusta and the Architect William Chambers. There are also paintings around the top of the ground floor showing how Kew would have looked at the time the Pagoda was built.

However, what Harry really liked were the display cases showing automatic models. One of the Great Pagoda itself and another of a boat and village. On the front of the display cases, there are several handles which move elements of the model. Both were very popular with the children. I think the Pagoda one is my favourite, the attention to detail is amazing and my photos really do not do it justice.

There is not a lot to see on the various levels of the Pagoda at Kew Gardens. The octagonal rooms themselves are not very large. Some have a bench to catch your breath and all have a number so you know which floor you are on! And how many more you will need to climb to reach the top and see the spectacular views.

What can you see from the top?

The draw of the Great Pagoda at Kew Gardens has to be the view from the top. Unfortunately on the day, we visited we lost the blue skies just as we started climbing. And by the time we got to the top, it was really quite grey. But you could still make out some of the most iconic London buildings in the London Skyline. As well as views across the Temperate House and gardens. The windows are only slightly open at th top for obvious reasons so it can be quite difficult to take a photo. Also with the staircase taking up a reasonable amount of room, it is not a very large area so be prepared to wait for the shot you want.

How long do you need?

We spent about twenty minutes walking up, taking photos at the top and exploring th ground floor. I would allow yourself half an hour to do it justice on the basis that I had an impatient six-year-old with me.

Have you visited the Pagoda at Kew Gardens? I would love to hear about your visit in the comments below