Viking Village – behind the scenes of this remarkable attraction as it prepares to re-open after a hiatus over its drinks licence and complaints from neighbours.

The owner says that is now all in the past with the Bridport venue looking forward to a fresh start and will soon be recruiting new staff.

I was invited by owner Christopher Seal to see the complex off Shoe Lane after reporting on his successful application for a new Premises (drinks) licence.

In essence this large former industrial building is divided into two, or three if you count the paddock outside, which will now be limited to 10pm use, mainly in the summer.

On one side of the building is probably the best climbing wall complex in Dorset with a superb play area for young ones alongside it, together with refreshments and space for parties. Many local people, including my grandchildren, will have been there and appreciated it.

To the other side is Viking Village which is a much more adult area with bars, party rooms, formal meeting rooms, a commercial kitchen and eating areas, mostly themed.

It also boasts axe throwing and a crossbow and archery range and will soon also have on-screen computer gaming – but the thing that strikes you most of all is the tons of wood, much of it collected for its peculiar shapes forming doorways and alcove areas, but also used to create Viking longboats, interesting seating spaces and rooms with very different feels.

Mr Seal admits to being 'a bit obsessed' about his Viking theme and getting it all just right. He has searched the country, and abroad, for what he wants for his emporium and, to my mind it works extremely well. Outside of Disney I have not seen anything like it.

Behind many of the creations, including the wooden chandelier, is Weymouth master carpenter Phil Mills who has been working at the site, on and off, since 2018 – much more intensively over the past 18 months. Even the upholstery is his own work and just about everything in wood has been sourced locally.

Mr Seal says if you ask him to make almost anything, give him a bit of time, and he will come up with the goods.

Another long-time worker is Bridport electrician Ricky Stubbs who has put together stunning and eye-catching lighting displays, also over a long period, using feature lighting you are unlikely to see anywhere else locally.

Not present for my visit was another local talent, Pete Sheridan, also from Weymouth, who has decorated many a surface in the building with his stunning art works. It was Peter who created the large lifeboat mural on Weymouth quayside.

Both carpenter and electrician, like the owner and manager Matt Wales, are reluctant to talk about their achievements but you can just tell that there is a laddish pleasure in what has been created between them. None of them like to boast – their ideas and workmanship do that for them.

Chris Seal, who comes from a local farming family, says he had the vision for Seals Cove and the Viking Village around 12 years ago and has taken all this time, partially stalled by Covid, to see it come to fruition.

Soon you will be able to see this lavish 15,600 square foot creation for yourself with opening events planned in late October and early November for Viking Village, including a music event with Stillyano.

Mr Seal, who declined to be photographed throughout my visit, telling me the venue is not about him, says the centre currently employs between 16 and 24 full and part-time staff, depending on the time of year, and is likely to need at least another ten when the whole centre is open.