Bouncy Castle Hire FAQs
Got a question about hiring a bouncy castle, inflatable, soft play set or party attraction from Cookes Castles? You are probably not the first person to ask it.
After providing inflatable hire since 1998, we have answered plenty of questions about gardens, hall sizes, weather, delivery times, safety, power supplies, booking changes and what happens when the British weather decides not to cooperate.
The answers below cover many of the practical details you need before hiring from us. You can also explore our Party Planning Guides, read Safety Tips for Hiring a Bouncy Castle or contact Cookes Castles if there is something specific you would like to discuss.
Booking, Availability and Payment
How do I book a bouncy castle from Cookes Castles?
You can check availability and make your booking directly through our website. Browse All Our Products, choose the equipment you want and use the online booking system to reserve it for your date.
If you would rather discuss the booking first, you are also very welcome to contact us. This can be particularly useful when you are hiring several inflatables, working with a restricted venue or simply cannot decide which castle will work best.
How far in advance should I book?
There is no fixed amount of notice required, and last-minute bookings may be possible when equipment is still available. The risk in leaving it late is simply that somebody else may already have booked the inflatable you want.
Summer weekends, school holidays and bank holiday weekends can be particularly busy. If your child has their heart set on a particular Themed Bouncy Castle, booking earlier gives you a much better chance of securing it.
Can I book on the same day as my event?
Potentially, yes, subject to availability and whether we can incorporate the booking into our delivery schedule. Same-day availability cannot be guaranteed, so advance booking is preferable wherever possible.
Do you require a deposit?
Some bookings may require a deposit where this is stated in your booking confirmation. Where a deposit is required, it must be paid within 24 hours to secure the reservation.
How can I pay?
Payment options include cash, cheque and bank transfer. Please follow the payment information supplied with your booking, or contact us if you need to discuss payment arrangements.
Can I change my booking after I have made it?
Requests to change the date, time, venue or equipment are subject to availability. Tell us as soon as possible if something changes so we have the best opportunity to accommodate your request.
Remember that a different venue may also change what equipment can be used. Hall dimensions, access, ceiling height and the available setup area all need to be suitable for the inflatable.
Delivery and Collection
What time will my inflatable arrive?
Our deliveries begin from around 7:00am. We normally arrange your delivery time the day before the booking because the day's route has to be organised geographically.
If your event has strict access times, such as a village hall booked for a fixed period, tell us when arranging your hire. We can then take those restrictions into account when planning the delivery.
Why can't you always give me an exact delivery time when I book?
Our delivery schedule depends on where all of that day's bookings are located. Planning the route geographically helps us move efficiently between customers and get everyone's equipment installed.
That schedule is therefore usually finalised much closer to the hire date.
How long can I keep the bouncy castle?
We aim to complete deliveries early enough for customers to enjoy a good day's hire. Collections generally take place between 3:30pm and 8:30pm, although the exact arrangement will depend on your booking and our collection route.
Later collection may sometimes be available for an additional charge. We will discuss the timing with you so that collection does not interfere unnecessarily with your event.
Can I collect the inflatable myself?
No. Cookes Castles delivers and installs its own bouncy castles and inflatables.
This is an important part of our safety and insurance procedures. Our team needs to ensure that the equipment has been correctly positioned, inflated and anchored before it is handed over for use.
How long does installation take?
A typical bouncy castle takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to install and around 15 to 20 minutes to dismantle. Larger or more complicated equipment may require longer.
For hall bookings, sufficient access time must be allowed for both installation and removal of the equipment.
Preparing Your Garden or Venue
What should I do before Cookes Castles arrives?
A little preparation can make delivery considerably easier.
Please make sure the route from our vehicle to the setup area is clear. Our equipment is transported using a sack barrow, so we generally require at least 3ft of usable access width.
The setup area itself should be cleared of garden furniture, toys, branches, sharp objects, stones and other obstacles. Any animal mess must be removed before our arrival.
What if access to my garden is difficult?
Please tell us beforehand about narrow gateways, steps, restricted parking or unusual access arrangements.
If access is through the house or involves more than three steps, this needs to be discussed in advance. Large commercial inflatables are heavy, so seemingly small access restrictions can make a significant difference.
How close does the electrical supply need to be?
We carry extension cables of up to approximately 25 metres. Please tell us before the hire if the nearest suitable power supply is further away.
How much extra room does a bouncy castle need?
The dimensions of the inflatable itself are not the only measurements that matter.
As a general guide, you should allow approximately 4ft of additional clearance at the front and rear and around 2ft at each side. Space is needed for safe entry and exit, anchoring, the blower and separation from walls, fences, trees and other obstacles.
Different products have different requirements, so check the individual product information rather than assuming that every Bouncy Castle needs exactly the same area.
Our What Size Bouncy Castle Do I Need for My Garden? guide contains more advice on measuring your available space.
What outdoor surfaces can you use?
Outdoor inflatables generally require a reasonably level natural grass surface that allows the equipment to be correctly staked down.
Slight slopes may be acceptable, but steeply sloping ground is not suitable. The area must also be free from excessive mud, sharp stones, animal waste and anything else that could damage the inflatable or create a hazard.
Sand, woodchip and artificial grass are not suitable outdoor surfaces under our standard setup requirements.
What happens if my garden is unsuitable when you arrive?
We reserve the right not to install equipment where the site cannot be used safely or where the conditions differ substantially from those described when the booking was made.
That is why checking dimensions, access and ground conditions beforehand is so important. If you are uncertain, contact us before the event rather than leaving the question until the delivery van arrives.
Indoor Bouncy Castle Hire
Can Cookes Castles set up inflatables indoors?
Yes. We regularly provide indoor inflatable hire for village halls, community centres, schools, nurseries, churches and other suitable venues.
The important point is that the building must have sufficient floor space and ceiling clearance for the particular inflatable you have selected.
How do I know whether a bouncy castle will fit inside my hall?
Measure the usable width, length and height of the venue and compare those measurements with the requirements of the inflatable.
If you are uncertain, send us the hall dimensions and we can help you determine what is suitable. Our Low Height / Indoor range is also useful when ceiling height is restricted.
You may also find Best Indoor Venues for Kids' Parties and Indoor vs Outdoor Party Hire useful when arranging an indoor celebration.
Weather Questions
Can a bouncy castle be used if there are summer showers?
Many of our bouncy castles have built-in shower covers, although this does not apply to every product. An occasional light shower therefore does not automatically mean the whole party is ruined.
Persistent heavy rain and unsafe wind conditions are a different matter. Safety takes priority over keeping an outdoor booking running.
What happens if bad weather is forecast?
We monitor weather forecasts and consider whether the predicted conditions allow the equipment to be used safely.
Strong winds and severe weather can mean an outdoor inflatable cannot be installed or operated. Where weather affects your booking, the applicable arrangements will be handled in accordance with our current terms and conditions.
For more practical advice, see What to Do If the Weather Turns on Your Party Day and Rainy Day Party Ideas.
What should I do if the weather suddenly becomes dangerous during the hire?
If conditions deteriorate and there are strong winds or severe weather, stop people using the inflatable immediately and follow the safety instructions provided with your hire.
If instructed to deflate the equipment, switch off the blower and prevent anyone from using the inflatable.
Safety and Supervision
Who is responsible for supervising the inflatable?
The hirer is responsible for ensuring that the equipment and its users are appropriately supervised by a responsible adult throughout the hire.
Inflatables should not simply be left running for children to use without supervision.
Do you have public liability insurance?
Yes. Cookes Castles carries £5 million public liability insurance, including cover for licensed premises.
You can read more on our Insurance Information page.
Do your inflatables receive safety testing?
Our equipment is maintained and inspected as part of our professional hire operation. We also use safety-tested electrical equipment and take responsibility for installing our inflatables correctly before use.
For further information about inflatable safety, see Top Safety Questions About Inflatables Answered.
Can I move the inflatable after you have installed it?
No. Once Cookes Castles has installed the equipment and our team has left, the inflatable must not be repositioned or moved.
Moving it could affect its anchoring, required clearances or other aspects of the safe installation.
Does the blower stay switched on?
Yes. A continuously inflated bouncy castle, slide or similar inflatable requires the blower to operate while the equipment is in use.
Do not switch the blower off while people are still using the inflatable.
Are there age limits?
Yes. The appropriate age range depends on the inflatable.
Our standard children's bouncy castles are designed for children up to and including the age of 12. Where older users or adults will be participating, choose equipment specifically designed for them.
Do you have bouncy castles suitable for adults?
Yes. Our Adult Bouncy Castles are specifically designed to accommodate larger users and provide an appropriate option for events where adults want to join in.
They are popular at family celebrations, weddings, company events, milestone birthdays and other mixed-age occasions.
Can adults and children use the same inflatable together?
This depends on the particular equipment and its operating requirements. Mixing significantly different sizes and ages of users can create additional risks, so users should always follow the instructions for the inflatable supplied.
If your event has a particularly broad age range, our Inflatable Hire for Mixed Age Groups guide may help with planning separate activities.
Looking After the Equipment
Can children take food and drinks onto the inflatable?
No. Food and drinks should be kept away from the inflatable play area.
What items are prohibited on or near the inflatables?
Face paint, glitter, silly string, party poppers, food and drinks must not be used on or near our equipment. These products can stain or permanently damage inflatable material.
Sharp objects and anything else capable of damaging the equipment must also be kept away.
What happens if an inflatable is damaged or excessively soiled?
The hirer is responsible for equipment during the hire period. Damage or excessive soiling that was not present when the equipment was supplied may result in repair or cleaning charges.
Where serious damage prevents an inflatable from being hired to subsequent customers, additional losses may also be recoverable in accordance with our terms and conditions.
Overnight Hire
Can I keep a bouncy castle overnight?
Overnight hire may be available for an additional £30, but we will only leave an inflatable overnight in a secure garden.
Please discuss overnight requirements when booking so that we can confirm whether the equipment and location are suitable.
Schools, Fundraisers and Bigger Events
Do you provide bouncy castles for school fetes?
Yes. Schools are an important part of our event hire work, and our equipment can be used for fetes, sports days, end-of-term celebrations, fundraising events and other suitable school occasions.
Take a look at School Fetes & Fundraisers or read How Schools Can Use Inflatables for Fundraising for more ideas.
Can you provide several inflatables for one event?
Yes. Larger bookings are particularly useful for school fetes, company fun days, festivals and community events where one attraction may not provide enough capacity or variety.
Depending on your audience, you could combine an assault course from Inflatable Assault Courses with Inflatable Games, a traditional castle, slide or equipment for younger children.
Do you offer a multiple-inflatable discount?
Yes. Bookings of three or more inflatables receive a 10% discount. Contact us if you are putting together a larger booking and would like help selecting an appropriate combination.
Do you provide equipment for council, charity and corporate events?
Yes. Cookes Castles works at many types of organised event, including Community & Council Events, Charity Events and Corporate Events & Company Fun Days.
We can also provide larger attractions through Large Event Inflatables where appropriate.
Delivery Areas
Where does Cookes Castles deliver?
Delivery within approximately 10 miles of Uckfield is free. A delivery charge may apply to locations further away.
Our wider service area includes Eastbourne, Hailsham, Tunbridge Wells, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, East Grinstead, Lewes, Seaford, Crowborough and many other communities throughout East Sussex and surrounding areas.
See Areas We Cover for a much broader overview of the locations we serve.
Cancellations and Unexpected Problems
What is your cancellation policy?
Our cancellation terms depend on when and why a booking is cancelled. Because these terms form part of your hire agreement, please refer to our Terms & Conditions for the current cancellation policy rather than relying on an abbreviated version.
What if Cookes Castles cannot fulfil the booking?
Occasionally circumstances outside anyone's control can interfere with a booking, such as vehicle problems or equipment becoming unavailable because of damage.
If something unexpected prevents us from supplying the booked equipment, we will try to provide an appropriate alternative where possible. If that cannot be done, we will discuss the available options with you.
Still Have a Question?
Some questions are much easier to answer when we know the details of your event. Tell us the date, location, venue or garden size, ages attending and the equipment you are considering and we can give you more specific advice.
You can browse Party Planning Guides for further help, see All Our Products if you are still deciding what to hire, or use contact us to speak with Cookes Castles directly.
Call David on 07929109186 or Dale on 07739498500.
Please remember: the hirer is responsible for the equipment during the hire period and for ensuring that users are appropriately supervised and follow the operating instructions provided.