Frequently Asked Questions About Bouncy Castle & Inflatable Hire
Planning a birthday party, school fete, wedding or community event? Find answers to common questions about hiring bouncy castles, soft play, inflatable slides and other party entertainment from Cambridge Bouncy Castles.
We provide equipment for events in Cambridge, Royston, Hitchin, Letchworth, Stevenage, Saffron Walden and many surrounding locations.
What Would You Like to Know?
Choose a topic below to jump straight to the relevant questions, or read through the full guide.
Products, Prices & Booking Questions
What can I hire from Cambridge Bouncy Castles?
We offer a wide range of inflatable and party equipment, including:
- Bouncy castles for children's parties and suitable events.
- Bouncy castles with slides for bouncing and sliding in one inflatable.
- Inflatable assault courses and obstacle challenges.
- Inflatable slides in different sizes and designs.
- Soft play for suitable younger children.
- Disco domes and party inflatables.
- Bungee runs and sumo suits.
- Funfair games, sports games and sweet treats.
See our complete product range for the available equipment.
How do I book a bouncy castle or soft play package?
Choose your preferred product on our website and follow the online booking process. You'll need to provide details such as your event date, delivery address and booking requirements.
If you have questions before ordering, you can contact our team for assistance.
How much does bouncy castle hire cost?
Prices depend on the inflatable or equipment selected and the requirements of your booking. Product pages show the relevant hire prices, allowing you to compare the available options.
For larger events or multiple attractions, contact us to discuss your requirements.
Can I hire more than one inflatable for the same event?
Yes. We can arrange multiple-item bookings, subject to availability, venue suitability and delivery arrangements.
We offer discounts for qualifying multiple-item and larger bookings. These can be particularly useful for large events, school fetes and corporate fun days.
How early should I book for a weekend or school holiday?
We recommend booking as early as possible when you have a particular product or date in mind. Weekends, bank holidays and school holiday periods can be especially popular.
Availability depends on existing bookings, so securing your preferred inflatable early is advisable.
Can you help me choose equipment for different age groups?
Yes. Let us know the ages of the guests, your venue details and the type of event you're planning.
For example, soft play may suit younger children, while suitable bouncy castles, obstacle courses and interactive games can provide entertainment for other age groups.
All equipment must be used in accordance with its individual age, size and capacity restrictions.
Delivery, Installation & Venue Requirements
Which towns and villages do you deliver to?
Our service area includes Cambridge, Royston, Hitchin, Letchworth, Stevenage, Baldock, Saffron Walden, Biggleswade and many surrounding towns and villages.
We also serve locations such as Grantchester, Sawston, Comberton, Ely and Huntingdon.
If you're unsure whether we cover your postcode, please contact us.
Do you deliver, inflate and install the equipment?
Yes. Our team delivers the booked equipment, completes the required installation and provides relevant operating and safety instructions.
We also arrange collection after the agreed hire period.
How much room do I need for a bouncy castle?
Every inflatable has its own dimensions and clearance requirements. You must allow room for the inflatable itself, the blower, anchoring, safe entry and exit, and adequate clearance from surrounding hazards.
As a general guide, at least 1.5 metres of unobstructed clearance may be required around the inflatable, with additional space where specified by the manufacturer or installation instructions.
Always check the exact requirements for the product you're booking rather than relying on a general measurement.
Can a bouncy castle be installed on a patio, driveway or artificial grass?
Outdoor inflatables normally require suitable natural grass so they can be anchored correctly.
Patios, driveways, concrete and artificial grass may not be suitable for our standard outdoor installation arrangements. Please discuss the surface with us before booking rather than assuming an inflatable can be installed there.
Some indoor venues with suitable hard floors may be appropriate, subject to the required installation and anchoring arrangements.
Do I need an electrical socket?
Most inflatable equipment requires a continuous electricity supply for the blower. A suitable standard 13-amp socket is normally needed, although requirements can vary for larger attractions or multiple inflatables.
If your event site has no convenient power supply, contact us in advance to discuss the options.
Can you take equipment through my house or another building?
Access through buildings needs to be discussed before booking. Please tell us about narrow entrances, steps, corridors, stairs, restricted parking or other obstacles.
The hirer should ensure there is a suitable, clear access route. Any responsibilities relating to property damage are governed by the applicable booking terms and circumstances.
Can I hire a bouncy castle for an indoor hall?
Yes, selected inflatables are suitable for indoor installation where there is enough floor space, ceiling height, safe access and appropriate anchoring arrangements.
Smaller bouncy castles and soft play sets are worth considering for indoor parties, subject to their individual requirements.
Safety, Supervision & Using Inflatables Correctly
Who is responsible for supervising children on a bouncy castle?
A responsible adult must supervise inflatable use continuously throughout the hire period. Children must not be left unattended on inflatable equipment.
The supervisor should ensure users follow the operating instructions, avoid overcrowding and use the inflatable safely.
Can adults and children bounce together?
No. Adults and children should not use an inflatable at the same time. Participants of significantly different sizes should also be separated where necessary.
Adults must only use equipment specifically suitable for adult participation. Our adult and large inflatable range includes suitable options.
What should children remove before using a bouncy castle?
Users should remove shoes, glasses, jewellery and sharp objects before entering. Clothing should be suitable for active play, and any additional product-specific instructions must be followed.
Food, drinks, toys and pets must be kept off inflatable equipment.
Can we have a barbecue near the inflatable?
No. Barbecues, smoking, candles, fire pits and other open flames must be kept well away from inflatable equipment.
Inflatables and their electrical equipment must also be protected from other heat sources and hazards.
What happens if the inflatable starts to deflate?
Stop use immediately and ensure everyone leaves the inflatable safely. Do not allow anyone back on until the problem has been identified and the equipment is safe.
If it is safe to do so, check whether the blower has stopped or the electrical supply has been interrupted. Do not attempt electrical repairs or interfere with anchoring.
Contact Cambridge Bouncy Castles for assistance if the issue cannot be safely resolved.
Are there medical conditions that make inflatable use unsuitable?
Inflatable activities may not be suitable for people who are pregnant, have neck or back injuries, or have health conditions that could make bouncing, climbing or sliding unsafe.
Anyone uncertain about their ability to participate safely should avoid using the equipment until they have appropriate medical advice.
Are your inflatables cleaned and inspected?
Yes. We clean, maintain and inspect our inflatables and party equipment. We also arrange the relevant annual professional inspections for equipment that requires them.
Our team checks equipment as part of preparing it for hire and provides safety guidance at installation.
Rain, Wind & Bad Weather Questions
Can I use a bouncy castle when it's raining?
Inflatables should not be used in rain or when surfaces become wet and slippery. Stop play and follow the instructions supplied with the equipment.
Do not resume use until conditions are suitable and the inflatable is safe and sufficiently dry. Contact us if you need advice.
What wind speed is too strong for a bouncy castle?
Outdoor inflatable use must stop when wind conditions exceed the manufacturer's permitted limit. For many inflatables, the maximum is 24 mph (38 km/h), including gusts, but the specific equipment may have a lower limit.
Wind should be monitored using a suitable anemometer rather than judged by appearance alone. If conditions become unsafe, stop use and follow the supplied safety instructions.
What happens if bad weather is forecast for my party?
Contact us if poor weather is forecast. We can discuss whether the planned outdoor hire can proceed safely and whether any alternatives are available.
Any cancellation, postponement or refund arrangements will be governed by the booking terms and conditions.
Should I switch off the blower during rain?
Do not make assumptions about switching the blower off or leaving the inflatable running. The correct procedure depends on the equipment, conditions and safety instructions provided at installation.
Stop use immediately during unsafe weather and follow the guidance supplied by our team. Contact us if you're unsure what to do.
Damage, Cleaning, Insurance & Hire Responsibilities
What should I do if equipment is accidentally damaged?
Stop using the affected equipment if the damage could make it unsafe and contact us as soon as possible.
Any responsibility for repair, cleaning or replacement costs will depend on the circumstances and the applicable hire terms.
Do you have public liability insurance?
Yes. Cambridge Bouncy Castles holds public liability insurance.
Public liability insurance does not automatically cover every incident, accidental damage, loss or theft. The extent of cover depends on the policy and circumstances.
If you're organising a school, corporate or public event and need insurance details, please contact us.
Can we use silly string, confetti or party poppers?
No. Silly string, party poppers, confetti and similar materials should not be used on or near inflatable equipment because they may stain or damage the surfaces.
Cleaning or damage charges may apply in accordance with the hire terms.
Can guests bring food and drinks onto the inflatable?
No. Food and drinks must be kept off inflatables and soft play equipment. They can create slipping hazards, cause staining and interfere with safe use.
Arrange a separate refreshment area away from the equipment.
Who is responsible for equipment during the hire period?
The hirer is responsible for following the supplied operating instructions, providing appropriate supervision and taking reasonable care of the hired equipment.
Specific responsibilities relating to damage, theft, loss and other incidents are set out in the applicable booking terms.
Birthday Parties, Schools, Weddings & Larger Events
Can you provide inflatables for school fetes and PTA events?
Yes. We supply equipment for suitable school celebrations, fetes and fundraising events.
Our fundraising and PTA event hire range includes attractions worth considering for school events, subject to the venue and participant requirements.
Do you hire bouncy castles for weddings?
Yes. Our Wedding Bouncy Castle can provide a distinctive attraction for suitable wedding receptions.
Check that your venue permits inflatables and that the product is appropriate for the intended users.
Can adults use your party inflatables?
Yes, we have equipment intended for suitable adult participation, including selected adult bouncy castles and inflatable games.
Browse our adult and large inflatables to explore the available options. Adults must not use equipment intended only for children.
Do you have entertainment for corporate team-building days?
Yes. Our equipment can provide interactive activities for suitable corporate events, company fun days and team celebrations.
Consider bungee runs, assault courses, sports games and other attractions from our corporate hire range.
Can I book soft play and a bouncy castle together?
Yes, subject to availability and sufficient venue space. Hiring separate suitable attractions can be useful for parties attended by toddlers and older children.
Each activity must have appropriate supervision and be used according to its individual safety requirements.
What can I hire for a large community fun day?
Depending on your venue and audience, you might consider a selection of inflatable slides, assault courses, bouncy castles, funfair games and sports activities.
Our large event hire range provides a useful starting point. Contact us with your event date, venue details and expected participants to discuss suitable options.
Still Have a Question About Your Booking?
If you need advice about product sizes, indoor venues, delivery locations, availability or choosing suitable equipment, Cambridge Bouncy Castles is here to help.
We provide bouncy castle and inflatable hire in Cambridge, Royston, Hitchin, Stevenage, Letchworth and many surrounding areas.
