Terms & Conditions of Hire – Please Read Before Booking
Before making a booking with Cottle’s Castles, please carefully read the following terms and conditions. By placing a booking through any method, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to all terms outlined below.
Unexpected Issues & Cancellations by Cottle’s Castles
On rare occasions, events outside of our control—such as extreme weather, traffic delays, vehicle breakdowns, or staffing issues—may prevent us from fulfilling your booking. If this happens, a full refund will be issued for any payments made.
Delivery, Setup, and Collection
We aim to deliver and set up all inflatables before midday and collect after 5pm, unless your booking is at a venue with agreed specific timings. If setup is delayed due to reasons outside of our control, we will aim to make up the time by collecting later.
Payment Terms
All bookings require a non-refundable booking fee of 20% (rounded up to the nearest £10), payable via our website. The remaining balance must be paid by cash or via our payment link on the day of hire. See our cancellation policy for further information.
Hire Location Requirements
Equipment sizes listed on our site are approximate. You must ensure your chosen space is large enough, has safe access, and is suitable for anchoring. It is your responsibility to measure accurately and provide clear access to the setup area.
If our installer cannot set up the inflatable due to space, obstructions, or unsuitable surfaces, you will still be charged the full hire amount. By agreeing to these terms, you consent to us billing your account if payment has not yet been completed.
Inflatables will only be installed on flat, clear surfaces. For outdoor setups, the surface must allow pegs or bolts for anchoring. For indoor hires, ensure enough head clearance and no obstruction from lighting. A standard 240v AC mains socket is required. If no RCD is present, we can supply one, but we must be notified in advance.
We do not hire to communal spaces such as shared gardens or greens outside flats. Bookings made for these areas will still be charged in full if the rules are ignored. Please contact us if you're unsure before booking.
Access, Property and Vehicle Damage
While we take great care during delivery and setup, Cottle’s Castles is not liable for damage to property or vehicles under the following conditions:
- If access is under 3ft (0.91m) wide
- If we must pass equipment through your house
- If vehicles block the delivery path and are not moved
Bouncy castles and soft play items are large and heavy. If you have concerns about access, please speak to us ahead of time so we can assess suitability or suggest alternatives.
General Rules for Use of Equipment
All equipment remains the property of Cottle’s Castles. A responsible adult must supervise use at all times. You must follow all age, height, and weight restrictions as listed on the product page.
The following are not allowed on any of our equipment: shoes, food, drinks, pets, face paint, silly string, poppers, gum, jewellery, or sharp items like belt buckles.
Do not allow climbing on roofs or sides of inflatables. Slides must be used feet-first only. Pregnant individuals or anyone with heart, neck, or back conditions should not use inflatables. Anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs must not use the equipment.
Safety & Maintenance During Hire
You are responsible for regularly checking that:
- All anchor points remain secure
- Safety mats stay correctly positioned
- The blower is connected and unobstructed
Children and pets must be kept away from blowers and cables. Do not allow smoking or heat sources like barbecues or candles near any inflatable.
Do not attempt to move any equipment after it has been set up. Inflatables will not be hired during high winds. If gusts exceed 24mph during your hire, turn off the blower and remove users. If heavy rain occurs, pause use and towel dry before resuming.
Artificial Grass & Concrete Surfaces
We are not liable for any damage to artificial grass during pegging or to concrete where bolts are used for anchoring. Please read our Artificial Grass & Concrete Installations page for full details before booking.
Cleanliness, Collection & Replacement Charges
All equipment is delivered clean and sanitised. If excessive cleaning is needed after collection, a £80 charge applies per inflatable. If any staining results in permanent damage, panel replacement costs will be charged.
Only authorised Cottle’s Castles staff will collect your equipment. If unsure, please call us before allowing someone to take it.
Please inform us before setup of any underground cables or pipes. We are not responsible for damage if this information is not disclosed.
Ball pit balls must be returned to the bag for collection. A £20 fee will apply if left loose.
You will be liable for any loss or damage caused during your hire period (excluding normal wear and tear). Extension leads must be used responsibly and placed to avoid trip hazards.
Cancellation Policy
In the rare event we need to cancel, usually due to extreme weather (e.g. high winds), a full refund will be issued. We do not cancel for light or moderate rain. Most of our castles have rain covers.
You may move your booking once, but not the day before your hire. Booking fees (20% rounded to the nearest £10) are non-refundable. If you cancel the day before or on the day, the remaining balance will still be due and will be charged to your account.