Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a party is much easier when the practical questions are sorted early. Below you'll find answers about booking, payments, space, surfaces, weather, delivery, venue hire and choosing equipment from Brentwood Bouncy Castle Hire.
How do I book a bouncy castle or other equipment?
Choose the equipment you'd like to hire and use the online booking system to check availability for your required date. You can browse our Bouncy Castles, Soft Play, Obstacle Courses, Slides, Inflatable Games and Big Value Packages before deciding what works best for your event.
If you need some help before booking, use our Contact Us page and tell us what you're planning.
How much space should I allow for an inflatable?
The dimensions shown on individual product pages are an important starting point, but you should not assume that an inflatable measuring 12ft x 12ft only needs a 12ft x 12ft space.
Additional clear space is required for correct installation and operation, including room for equipment such as the blower and safety mats. Measure the actual usable area rather than the overall size of your garden or venue, taking walls, fences, trees, furniture and other obstructions into account.
If you're booking several products, consider the complete layout and the space needed between different pieces of equipment too.
Should I measure my garden before I book?
Yes. Measuring first is much better than finding out on delivery day that the inflatable and the garden have very different opinions about what constitutes "plenty of room".
Check both the length and width of the clear area you intend to use. Don't include flower beds, sheds, garden furniture or other areas that won't actually be available for the inflatable setup.
Can you set up a bouncy castle on artificial grass?
Artificial grass can be possible, but the ground underneath it matters. We need to be able to secure the inflatable correctly, so a suitable soil base must be present beneath the artificial grass where pegging is required.
Please read our Artificial Grass and Concrete information before making your booking so you understand the requirements for this type of surface.
Can you put an inflatable on concrete?
Yes, subject to the appropriate setup requirements. For concrete installations, the inflatable must be correctly secured and this involves drilling and bolting into the concrete.
If you are considering a hard-standing booking, particularly at a rented property or venue, make sure you have permission for the required installation method. See our Artificial Grass and Concrete page for further information.
Do I have to pay a booking fee?
Yes. A non-refundable booking fee of 20%, rounded up to the nearest £10, is required to confirm your booking.
The remaining balance is payable on the day of hire and can be paid in cash or through our secure payment link.
What happens if it rains?
Light rain does not automatically mean your booking will be cancelled, and most of our inflatables have built-in rain covers. More severe weather conditions are a different matter, and safety must come before keeping an outdoor booking running.
If the forecast is making you question an outdoor party, you could also consider one of our suitable indoor options and book a hall or venue instead.
Will you cancel a bouncy castle because of strong winds?
We will not operate inflatables in unsafe high winds or extreme weather conditions. Inflatable hire is weather-dependent and there are circumstances where an outdoor booking cannot safely proceed.
Weather can change quickly, so conditions relevant to the actual hire period are what matter. If you're concerned about the forecast for your booking, please Contact Us.
Can I hire a bouncy castle indoors?
Yes, we have a selection of inflatables suitable for indoor hire at appropriate halls and venues. Indoor bookings are particularly useful during autumn and winter, but they're an option throughout the year.
When measuring an indoor venue, remember that ceiling height is just as important as floor space. Check for low beams, lights, projectors, speakers and other overhead fixtures as well as the clear floor area available.
Take a look at our Indoor Bouncy Castle Hire in Brentwood page for more information about the indoor castle options currently available.
What time will my bouncy castle be delivered?
For standard back garden hire, deliveries take place between 7am and 12pm. Collections are made after 5pm, giving you the equipment for a substantial part of the day.
There is also an option to upgrade to next-morning collection for £40.
Can you deliver at a specific time for a hall booking?
Venue bookings work differently from standard back garden hire because halls are often booked for fixed time slots. More specific delivery and collection arrangements can be made for venue bookings, subject to availability.
Please contact us before booking if your venue has strict access, setup or collection times so that the arrangements can be confirmed.
Can I keep the equipment overnight?
Next-morning collection is available as a £40 upgrade for back garden hire. If overnight collection arrangements are important to your plans, make sure you select the appropriate option when arranging your hire.
Do you set the inflatable up for us?
Yes. Our service includes delivery and setup of the hired inflatable equipment, so customers do not need to arrive at the morning of their party with an inflatable and try to work out what goes where.
Are your inflatables insured and safety tested?
Yes. Brentwood Bouncy Castle Hire is fully insured and our inflatables are safety tested. You can also visit our Insurance Certificates and Risk Assessments page for further information relating to documentation.
What can I hire besides a standard bouncy castle?
There's considerably more in the range than traditional castles. Depending on the type of event you're planning, you can choose from Slides, Obstacle Courses, Disco Inflatables, Soft Play, Ball Pits, Inflatable Games and Giant Garden Games.
We also offer Party Extras when you're putting together a larger setup rather than hiring one standalone attraction.
Do you have equipment for toddlers and younger children?
Yes. Our range includes Soft Play, Ball Pits and Playpark / Playzone equipment, alongside other products intended for children's parties.
Because individual products differ, check the information on the specific item you're considering rather than assuming every inflatable or piece of play equipment is intended for the same users.
Do you have inflatables that adults can use?
Yes. We have a dedicated Adult Bouncy Castles range, and some of our other event equipment can also be suitable for adult participation. Check the individual product information when choosing equipment, particularly if you're arranging a mixed-age event.
Can I hire several attractions for one event?
Yes. Larger bookings can combine different types of equipment to create separate activities around the event. For example, you might choose an obstacle course as a main attraction, add an inflatable game and include giant games elsewhere on the site.
Our Inflatable Events range is a useful starting point when you're planning something larger than a conventional birthday party.
Do you hire equipment for school events and fun days?
Yes. Bouncy castles, obstacle courses, inflatable games, slides and giant games can all form part of school and larger event plans, depending on the requirements of the booking and the space available.
For larger events, it is particularly important to consider the complete site layout rather than measuring for each attraction in isolation.
What areas do you deliver to?
We provide bouncy castle and event hire in Brentwood and surrounding locations including Shenfield, Hutton, Ingatestone, Billericay and Chelmsford.
Our delivery area also includes Romford, Upminster, Hornchurch, Dagenham, Ilford, Basildon and many other locations in Essex.
How far in advance should I book?
Availability depends on the product and date, and popular equipment can become booked up during busy periods, particularly in summer. If you have a particular inflatable or event date in mind, booking earlier gives you a better chance of securing your preferred choice.
I'm not sure what to hire. Can you help?
Of course. Start with the basics: the type of event, approximate ages of the guests, available space, surface type and whether you're indoors or outdoors. From there, it becomes much easier to narrow down the appropriate equipment.
You can browse All Products if you'd like to compare the full range, or use our Contact Us page if you need help before making a booking.