Space, Ground & Surface Requirements
Our bouncy castles and inflatables go outside on flat grass, or indoors on a hard floor. We don't set them up outside on concrete, tarmac, paving or decking, and artificial grass is fine only if we can peg through it into the ground underneath. This page explains why, and how much space you need.
How much space do I need?
The standard bouncy castle in the UK is 12ft W x 12ft L x 10ft H. However, if you use those measurements only, you run the risk of the inflatable not fitting.
We add extra space to account for the legal clear area needed around a castle. As an example, we add 4ft at the back for the fan and fan tube, as the fan must be 1.2 metres from the inflatable.
We add 3ft on both sides of the castle for the clear area. This prevents children being able to bounce on the step of the castle and hitting objects on the sides. We also add 3ft to the front for the mats, or 6ft if it has a slide for extra run-off space.
Going from these rules, the 12ft x 12ft castle becomes 18ft x 19ft. We also add 1ft to the height for the movement of the inflatable, making this example 11ft.
Our product pages have a Size tab with the castle's own measurements and the space it needs, so you don't have to work it out yourself. There's more in our post on how much space you need for a bouncy castle.
Do bouncy castles have to go on grass?
Outside, yes. A castle is held down by pegs driven into the ground, at least six of them, and grass is the only outdoor surface we can peg into safely. These rules come from BS EN 14960, the safety standard our inflatables are tested to, and from our insurance.
The grass needs to be flat and level, firm rather than muddy or waterlogged, and free from holes and dips. If the ground is too wet after heavy rain, we may not be able to set up.
Why not on a patio, concrete or tarmac?
Because there's nothing to peg into. Some companies will put castles on hard standing outside with weights or sandbags – we don't. If you'd like the full answer, see our post on bouncy castles on hard surfaces.
That means no concrete, tarmac, paving slabs, decking or any other solid surface outside. If your area is hard standing and this wasn't discussed before the day, we may not be able to set up, and our normal cancellation terms may apply.
Non-inflatable garden games and our gazebos are different – they can go on a patio, and the gazebos are held down with weights.
Can a bouncy castle go on artificial grass?
Yes, if we can peg through it into the ground underneath. Artificial grass laid on soil or sand is usually fine. If it's laid on concrete or another hard base, we treat it like hard standing and can't use it.
Tell us before booking if your garden has artificial grass, and what it's laid on if you know. We need at least six pegs per inflatable, so there will be at least six small holes left in the artificial grass after the hire.
What about slopes?
Inflatables have to go on flat, level ground. We can't set up on sloping gardens, raised or terraced lawns, stepped areas or bumpy ground – even a small slope makes a castle less stable.
We once measured a garden in Leamington that turned out to be too sloped, and finding out early saved a cancellation on the day. If you're not sure, our measuring service checks the space, height and suitability before the day.
Clearing the area
The space needs to be clear of trees, bushes, hedges, garden furniture, play equipment and poles. The ground should be free from stones, roots, sharp objects and animal mess. Clearing it before we arrive saves time on the day.
Indoors
Indoors, castles go on the hall's hard floor, so the grass rules don't apply. The hall still needs enough floor space, enough ceiling height (watch for low beams and light fittings) and a clear way in, and the castle mustn't block a fire exit. Our hall guides say what has fitted in each hall we've been to, or tell us your hall and we'll let you know.