Hidden Gems Of Weymouth & Portland

Over the years, Weymouth and the local area, has lost several beloved spots like the bowling alley and, most recently, the cinema. This has sparked numerous social media posts about family-friendly activities - especially when it's raining!

At Chesil Radio, we're excited to share some budget-friendly ideas for family fun! Explore The 3 Chimneys on Weymouth seafront for delicious meals with stunning views. Alternatively, visit Freeplay on Portland for a variety of engaging activities that everyone can enjoy. Both businesses appreciate your support and are eager to provide memorable experiences for locals and visitors alike!

The 3 Chimneys team warmly welcomed the Chesil Radio crew on Sunday to showcase the vibrant fairground atmosphere and more! This seafront venue offers year-round entertainment for hotel guests, Weymouth visitors, and local residents alike. With two state-of-the-art karaoke booths available for just £5 per hour, it’s a fantastic spot to kick off any celebration!

First Attempt!!! Failure!!

At least the board was reached eventually!

The boss of Chesil Radio showing how it's done!!

They’ve introduced augmented darts in one of their rooms, featuring both a standard dartboard (good to practice on before your throws!) and the augmented darts features a selection of exciting digital games projected onto a specialised board. Players of all ages can enjoy the vibrant sounds and diverse game options while ordering drinks and food via QR code during play. Currently, it’s just £25 per hour for an unforgettable experience with friends!

The excitement continues! Experience the vibrant Carnival Room, also delightful food and drinks await you alongside captivating evening entertainment. This hidden gem appears exclusive to guests but warmly welcomes everyone to join in the fun. For easier access, skip the steep front steps and enter through the ground level entrance of the Jubilee Hotel at the back. Everyone is invited!

We had a taste of the lovely carvery and looking forward to going back to enjoy! To find out more visit: https://thethreechimneysweymouth.com/ (the website is being updated at time of publishing). Alternatively call direct: 01305 773435.

Our second recommendation is the Portland Freeplay Gaming Arcade, conveniently located just off Victoria Square next to The Beehive Cafe. This venue opened earlier this year, reviving classic gaming machines. With a cashless payment system, visitors can enjoy unlimited play for an hour—perfect for both nostalgic parents and curious kids discovering their parents' childhood favourites! It's like stepping into a museum of fun!

From just £10 per hour per person, enjoy classic games like Pacman and Donkey Kong, as well as the modern dance machines. The owner is dedicated to restoring these rare machines to working order, with plans for even more in a hidden workshop. With over 20 machines available, there's something for everyone. A parent or guardian must accompany children, and there's a small admission fee of £2 for observers. Sessions start at one hour; booking is recommended. Additional hours can be added at the same rate as booking more hours in advance, subject to availability. Regulars can benefit from membership packages offering discounts on standard prices.

Many bus services from Dorchester now go directly to Portland, eliminating the need for transfers. (Ask the driver about through tickets and service routes when boarding!) Don't miss out—give these a try! Stay tuned for our upcoming competition to win a 2-hour family ticket! For more info: https://freeplayarcades.co.uk/ or email: portland@freeplayarcades.co.uk

A heartfelt thank you to both venues for the warm invitation! We encourage everyone - locals and visitors alike - to explore what they have to offer. It’s a fantastic way to discover something unique while also supporting local businesses.

This news story has been produced by Chesil Radio's News Team, and information correct at the time of publishing, please contact venue for updated information, for more information about news stories published here, please visit: https://www.chesilradio.com or email: news@chesilradio.com