Originally built in 1762, the Great Pagoda of Kew Gardens was restored to its former glory in 2018, following a major restoration project.
Adorning the building are 80 gilded dragons, missing for more than 200 years but now restored using 3D printing technology and hand wood-carving techniques.
You can climb the 253 steps to the top 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 is one of several Chinese buildings designed for Kew by Swedish-born Scottish architect Sir William Chambers, who had spent time travelling and studying the architecture of East Asia.
Of the gardens’ four entrances the one nearest to the Great Pagoda is Lion Gate.
