Bouncy Castle Hire FAQs | The Bounce Boutique South London
Everything you need to know before booking your bouncy castle, ball pit or party hire across South London. If your question isn't answered here, just call, WhatsApp or email us Contact Uswe're always happy to help.
Booking & Setup
Do you deliver and set up the bouncy castle?
Yes. Every hire includes full delivery, professional setup, safety inspection and collection across South London including Lewisham, Bromley, Croydon, Lambeth and Southwark. For insurance and safety reasons, customers cannot collect or install inflatables themselves.
How long does setup and collection take?
Setup usually takes 15–20 minutes depending on access and the equipment booked. Larger or multiple items may need a little longer. Collection is similar. For hall and venue bookings we ask for a minimum 60-minute setup window and 30-minute collection window.
What time will you deliver and collect?
Summer (April–October): delivery between 7:30am - 2:30pm, with collections from 5:00pm 7.30pm Winter (November–March): delivery between 8:00am and 1:00pm, with collection before dark. Because we cover a wide area we can't guarantee exact times, but we'll always note your request and do our best. Please allow 1–2 hours either side, and book at least a couple of hours before your party start time.
Can I have a bouncy castle overnight?
For safety reasons, children's inflatables are not available overnight unless set up indoors. All items must stay inflated overnight to prevent damage from foxes or other animals, and you remain responsible for the equipment throughout.
How do I secure my booking?
A £25 holding deposit secures your date and equipment. Deposits are non-refundable and date- and item-specific. The remaining balance is due no later than the day of your hire, before setup.
Safety & Insurance
Are your bouncy castles insured?
Yes we hold £5 million public liability insurance. Please note this covers the equipment, not the users. For larger or public events you're responsible for ensuring you have adequate cover for users and the public.
Are your inflatables safety tested?
Yes. All our inflatables are PIPA tested and safety certified, and all electrical equipment is PAT tested.
Is a bouncy castle safe for toddlers?
Yes. We have a range of toddler-friendly inflatables and ball pits designed for younger children, and we'll always recommend the most suitable unit for your child's age group.
Does the inflatable need to be supervised?
Yes. All equipment must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult aged 18 or over. Larger units or events may need supervision at each entrance and exit. If you'd prefer us to staff it, we can provide event staff on request at an additional charge, subject to availability.
What are the rules during use?
Remove all shoes, glasses, jewellery and sharp objects before use. No face paint, food, drinks, water, confetti, glitter, party poppers, bubbles or animals on the equipment. No climbing or sitting on the walls, and no smoking on or near the inflatable. These rules keep everyone safe and avoid cleaning or damage charges.
Venue & Space
How much space do I need?
You'll need the inflatable's footprint plus safe clearance all around it, roughly two feet on each side. Every product listing shows both the unit size and the space required. If you're unsure, send us your dimensions and we'll recommend the best fit.
Can I have a bouncy castle set up indoors or in a hall?
Yes, most of our inflatables work indoors. Please give us your ceiling height and floor space when booking so we can confirm the right unit. The Low Wall Celebration Castle is our best option for halls with lower ceilings.
Can it go on artificial grass, decking or concrete?
Yes, in many cases. on hard or indoor surfaces we use sandbags or, where agreed and safe, bolt fixings. Please always tell us your surface type at the time of booking so we bring the right equipment.
Do I need permission for park or public hires?
Yes. Most councils require permission to set up inflatables in public spaces, and we may need to see a copy. Please arrange this with your local council in advance.
What if my access is tight?
Most equipment needs at least a 1m access point, and larger units may need to be driven close to the setup spot. Please flag any narrow paths, stairs, or parking issues when booking. Unflagged access problems can lead to delays, extra charges or, in some cases, refused delivery with the full hire still payable.
Weather
What happens if it rains?
For safety reasons, we do not operate or set up in heavy rain or strong winds. We offer flexible rescheduling where possible and refunds when necessary. In light rain, the inflatable can stay inflated with the lead covered. In heavy rain, switch it off at the mains until the rain passes, then restart to dry. We'll always advise if conditions look unsafe.
What wind speed is unsafe?
Inflatables cannot be operated in winds exceeding 24mph, in line with European safety standards. If we have to cancel for extreme wind, you won't lose the hire balance your holding deposit can be transferred to another date within 30 days.
Can I cancel because of rain?
You can call us on the morning of your hire to cancel for rain, but only if it's actively raining at the time and before the driver has arrived. In that case the balance is waived and only the deposit is forfeited. If it isn't raining and you cancel expecting rain, the full amount is payable.
Power
What power do I need?
Most equipment runs from a standard UK 13amp three-pin socket, with the blower running continuously during use. You'll need at least one socket per item. We provide a 25m extension lead, extendable up to 45m on request.
Do you provide generators?
No, however, If you supply your own, you're responsible for ensuring it's powerful enough and properly fuelled throughout the hire.
Pricing & Packages
Do you offer discounts for multiple hires?
Yes. We offer package deals when you combine items such as a bouncy castle, ball pit or party add-ons, it's the best value way to book.
Can I add face painting?
Yes. We have an in-house face painter available from £100 per 2 hour slot, and it's most popular booked alongside a bouncy castle or package. Please note face paint must never be used on the inflatables, so we'll always keep the two activities separate.
Can adults use the bouncy castles?
Most of our inflatables are designed for children. If you need an adult or mixed-age unit, get in touch and we'll talk you through the suitable options.
What if I need to cancel?
More than 24 hours before your hire: only the deposit is lost. Within 24 hours, or on arrival: the full balance is owed. If you've paid in full and cancel more than 48 hours before, we'll transfer your payment to a new date within 30 days (once) rather than refund.
Areas We Cover
We provide bouncy castle, ball pit and party hire across South London, including Lewisham, Bromley, Croydon, Lambeth, Southwark and Merton. We cover SE, BR, CR and selected SW and DA postcodes. Not sure if we reach you? Send us your postcode and we'll confirm, our coverage is always expanding.