What London's pagodas are
London's Great Pagoda at Kew Gardens and Peace Pagoda in Battersea Park are monuments of cultural exchange, history and architecture. The Great Pagoda reflects Britain's 18th-century fascination with Chinese culture and Chinoiserie design. The Peace Pagoda, built by the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Order, represents peace, unity and non-violence.
History
The Great Pagoda at Kew Gardens
Designed by Sir William Chambers and completed in 1762, the Great Pagoda is an example of 18th-century Chinoiserie architecture. Chambers had travelled to China and drew inspiration from pagodas he had seen there, incorporating these influences into his design for Kew Gardens. Its construction reflected a broader European fashion for Chinese-inspired designs.
The pagoda originally stood 163 feet (50 meters) tall and had ten octagonal stories, each with a projecting roof. Built of brick and timber, it narrows at each level as it rises. The roofs were originally decorated with 80 gilded dragons. These were removed in 1784 and restored in 2018 (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew).
The building was more than an ornamental structure: it reflected Britain's expanding global influence and fascination with the East. In the late 18th century, botanist Sir Joseph Banks used the pagoda to experiment with how plants grew at different altitudes, as part of efforts to understand the effects of environmental factors on plant development (Historic Royal Palaces).
After the dragons were removed, the pagoda entered a long period of neglect. By the 20th century it was in significant decay. A major restoration project led by Historic Royal Palaces and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, took place between 2016 and 2018. It aimed to restore the building's 18th-century appearance, including recreating the 80 dragons, using modern techniques and materials while maintaining historical accuracy (BBC News).
The Peace Pagoda in Battersea Park
Constructed in 1985, the Peace Pagoda was a gift to London from the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Order, a Japanese Buddhist movement dedicated to peace and non-violence. It was part of a global initiative to build pagodas in major cities as symbols of peace and unity, spearheaded by Japanese Buddhist monk Nichidatsu Fujii, who was influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's principles of non-violence (Battersea Park Peace Pagoda).
Its construction represented cultural exchange and mutual respect between the United Kingdom and Japan. Set in Battersea Park, a historic and culturally rich area of London, it also reflects the two nations' shared commitment to global peace.
What to see
The Great Pagoda
The Great Pagoda is one of Britain's earliest examples of Chinoiserie and has influenced later architectural designs. Its place in Kew Gardens has contributed to the gardens' status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The pagoda has also appeared in literature, film and television, and remains a subject for artists and writers.
The Peace Pagoda
The Peace Pagoda features traditional Japanese architectural elements and offers a glimpse of Japanese aesthetics and spiritual traditions. Four gilded statues of Buddha inside the structure represent different stages of Buddha's life and symbolize enlightenment, compassion and the pursuit of peace (Londonist).
The pagoda is a focal point for cultural and religious activities, including annual peace ceremonies and interfaith gatherings. It is also a place for meditation and reflection, providing a setting for mindfulness practices away from the bustle of city life (Visit London).
It forms part of a global network of Peace Pagodas, which serve as symbols of hope and calls to work towards a more peaceful world. In London, its message of peace, non-violence and reconciliation also serves as a reminder of the importance of harmony and understanding in a diverse, interconnected world, and against the city's history of conflict and colonialism.
Practical visiting information
Great Pagoda at Kew Gardens
A ticket to Kew Gardens is required to visit the Great Pagoda. Prices are:
- Adults: £18.00
- Children (4–15 years): £6.00
- Concessions: £16.00
- Children under 4: Free
Kew Gardens is typically open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Check the official Kew Gardens website for seasonal changes or special events.
The Great Pagoda is accessible to visitors with disabilities, with ramps and elevators available. Some areas may have limited accessibility because of the building's historic nature.
Kew Gardens offers guided tours that include the Great Pagoda. Check the Kew Gardens events page for the latest information.
Peace Pagoda in Battersea Park
Location: Battersea Park, London, SW11 4NJ, United Kingdom
The Peace Pagoda is open to the public 24 hours a day. Guided tours and specific events may have designated times. There is no entrance fee; it is free for all visitors.
The site is accessible to visitors with disabilities. The paths leading to the pagoda are well-maintained, and ramps are available for wheelchair users.
Tips
Kew Gardens is reachable by public transport. The nearest tube station is Kew Gardens on the District Line, and several bus routes stop nearby. If driving, note that parking is limited; public transport is recommended.
The Great Pagoda and its surroundings offer photographic opportunities. The base provides a dramatic upward view, while the gardens around it offer landscape views.
The nearest tube station to the Peace Pagoda is Battersea Power Station on the Northern Line, a short walk from Battersea Park. Bus routes 44, 137, 452 and 156 also serve the area.
Nearby places
At Kew Gardens, other attractions include the Palm House, the Temperate House and the Treetop Walkway. Nearby are Kew Palace and the Marianne North Gallery.
In Battersea Park, nearby attractions include Battersea Park Children's Zoo, the Pump House Gallery and walking trails along the Thames River.
FAQ
What are the Great Pagoda's visiting hours and ticket prices?
See the Great Pagoda's visiting information above for Kew Gardens' usual hours and ticket prices.
What is the significance of the Great Pagoda?
Its history and cultural significance are described in the sections above.
Are guided tours of the Great Pagoda available?
See the Great Pagoda's practical visiting information for details about guided tours.
Is the Great Pagoda accessible?
See the accessibility information under Great Pagoda at Kew Gardens above.
