Planning a bouncy castle, soft play or party hire with Colourful Castles? These are some of the questions we are asked most often about space, delivery, indoor venues, weather, add-ons and preparing for your booking.
How much space do I need for a bouncy castle?
The measurements shown on our product pages describe the inflatable itself. You must also allow at least 2ft of clear space around the sides, plus appropriate room at the front and rear for safety mats, the blower, anchoring and safe access.
Fences, sheds, trees, garden furniture, walls and other obstacles all reduce the usable space. If you are unsure, send us your available measurements before booking and we can advise.
Do I need to measure the ceiling for an indoor hire?
Yes. Indoor bookings need enough floor space and ceiling clearance for the chosen inflatable. Please take beams, lights, suspended fittings and other overhead obstructions into account.
We also have some low-height and very-low-height inflatables specifically designed for halls where a standard bouncy castle will not fit. Contact us with your venue measurements if you need help choosing.
What do I need to do before delivery?
Please make sure the route from our vehicle to the setup area is clear and tell us in advance about narrow gates, steps, restricted parking, long carrying distances or other difficult access.
The setup area should be clear of pet waste, sharp objects, garden furniture and anything else that could interfere with installation. Different pieces of equipment have different access requirements, so please do not assume that every inflatable can pass through a standard doorway or narrow gate.
What surfaces can you put a bouncy castle on?
Many of our outdoor inflatables require suitable grass so that they can be anchored correctly. If your proposed setup area is concrete, tarmac, artificial grass, gravel, shingle or another surface, please ask us before booking.
Indoor hires are different and depend on the equipment and venue. If in doubt, send us details of the surface and we will tell you what options may be suitable.
Can you set up on a sloping garden?
A very slight slope may sometimes be workable, but steep or unsuitable gradients cannot be used safely. If your garden slopes noticeably, send us a photograph or discuss it with us before booking.
How many children can use a bouncy castle at once?
This depends on the size and design of the inflatable and the height or age of the users. Each inflatable has its own permitted user limits, which must be followed.
Children of very different sizes should not normally be bouncing together. Adult supervision is required throughout the hire.
Can adults use the bouncy castles?
Only inflatables specifically designed and listed for adult use should be used by adults. Many of our children's bouncy castles are not suitable for adult users.
If you need equipment for adults, corporate guests or mixed-age events, ask us about our larger and adult-rated options.
Do your inflatables come with safety mats?
Safety mats are supplied where required for the inflatable setup. Some products also include additional safety information or instructions when the equipment is handed over.
Are your inflatables tested and insured?
Our inflatable equipment is inspected and maintained, with relevant testing such as PIPA used where applicable. Colourful Castles also carries public liability insurance.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Inflatables must not be operated in unsafe weather conditions. Heavy rain and strong winds may mean that an outdoor hire cannot proceed or that the equipment needs to be taken out of use.
Weather decisions are made with safety in mind. If poor conditions are expected, please contact us rather than assuming the booking can continue as normal.
What time will you deliver?
Delivery times depend on your event, location, equipment and our route for the day. We plan deliveries so that there is sufficient time to unload and set up before the agreed hire period.
If you have a hall or venue with a fixed access time, tell us when booking. We need to know when you can enter the venue, not just when the party itself begins.
More information is available on our Delivery & Collection Times page.
When will you collect the equipment?
Collections are arranged around the agreed hire period and our route for the day. If a hall must be completely cleared by a particular time, please tell us before the booking is confirmed so that this can be taken into account.
Where do you deliver?
Our regular delivery area includes Luton, Dunstable, Harpenden, Houghton Regis, Leighton Buzzard, Barton-le-Clay, Biscot, Bramingham, Bushmead, Bury Park, Hart Hill, Capability Green and Wigmore, together with many nearby villages.
Our standard free-delivery area extends approximately 10 miles from LU4. We may also be able to travel further, although a fuel surcharge can apply. See our Delivery Area page or contact us with your postcode.
Can I book just a bubble machine?
No. Our Bubble Machine is an add-on item and can only be booked where the other equipment in the order has a total value of at least £60.
The machine is supplied with 1 litre of suitable bubble fluid. Additional bottles can be ordered in advance if required.
Can Giant Connect Four be hired on its own?
No. Our Giant Connect Four style game is an add-on for qualifying bookings and is not available as a standalone hire.
It can be added alongside equipment such as a bouncy castle, inflatable ball pool or soft play package, subject to the minimum order requirement. We also offer a giant games combination with Giant Jenga.
Do you include Didi Cars with indoor parties?
Yes. Qualifying indoor hires over £85 include free use of five Didi Cars.
Didi Cars are foot-powered rather than battery-powered. Children move them by turning the steering wheel from side to side, and they work best on a suitable smooth, hard indoor floor with enough clear space for use.
What else can I hire besides a bouncy castle?
Our range includes inflatable slides, soft play, ball pools, Didi Cars, bubble machines, fun runs, giant games, inflatable play parks and party packages.
This means you can book a single inflatable or combine several activities for a larger birthday party, hall booking, school event or community celebration.
Do you provide equipment for schools and larger events?
Yes. We can provide equipment for school fetes, community events, charity days, corporate family events and other larger gatherings, subject to availability and the suitability of the venue.
For larger bookings, contact us with the date, location, expected type of event and an idea of the space available so we can discuss suitable equipment.
Can I make a last-minute booking?
If the equipment and delivery slot are still available, we may be able to help with short-notice bookings. It is always worth asking, although popular weekends and school holiday dates can book up well in advance.
Do you offer overnight hire?
Overnight hire may be available on selected equipment and may be subject to additional conditions. Please check the individual product information or contact us before booking if you require overnight use.
How do I know whether an inflatable will fit through my gate or house?
Please tell us about restricted access before booking. Larger inflatables can be bulky even when deflated, and some products have very specific access requirements.
Do not assume that equipment can automatically be taken through a house, narrow side passage or single gate. If access looks tight, send us photographs and measurements so we can advise.
What information should I give you when I enquire?
The most useful information is your event date, postcode or venue, the equipment you are interested in and whether the booking is indoors or outdoors.
For indoor venues, include the available floor space and ceiling height. For gardens, measurements and photographs can be very helpful where space or access is limited.
How can I contact Colourful Castles?
Call us on 07913 750324, email info@colourfulcastles.co.uk or use our contact page. We are available 7 days a week from 9am to 9pm.