It’s one of the first questions we get asked: “Will a bouncy castle actually fit in my garden?” The good news is that most gardens in Colchester and the surrounding towns can take at least one of our castles. You just need to know a few numbers before you book.
Here’s our quick guide to measuring up, so you can pick the right castle with confidence.
How much space does a bouncy castle need?
Every castle has two sizes you need to think about:
- The castle itself. This is the size we list on each castle’s page, for example 12ft x 12ft.
- The space around it. You need a little clear room on each side so we can set it up safely, plus space behind for the blower that keeps it inflated. On our Construction castle, for example, the blower adds about 3ft at the back.
As a rule of thumb, add at least 1ft (30cm) clear on each side, and allow extra at the back for the blower. If you’re tight on space, measure and give us a call. We’ll tell you honestly whether it will fit.
Our castles by size
Here’s a quick look at the footprint of our most popular hires, smallest first:
Adding extras? Our Jungle Ball Pit is 7.5ft x 7.5ft, so packages like the Jungle Set need room for both pieces side by side.
Don’t forget to look up
Height catches a lot of people out. Our Pink 3D Unicorn stands around 16ft tall with its artwork, while the Large Blue Party Theme castle is a much lower 8ft. Before we arrive, check for:
- Overhanging tree branches
- Washing lines
- Overhead cables or wires
- Gazebos or awnings close by
What makes a good setup spot?
The perfect spot is a flat, even area of lawn. A few things to check before party day:
- Is it level? A gentle slope is usually fine, but steep slopes aren’t safe.
- Is it clear? Please check the area for tree roots, sprinkler heads, stones, glass or anything sharp, and let us know about anything you can’t move.
- Is there power nearby? The blower runs on electricity. We bring our own extension leads, so all we need is access to a standard plug socket.
- Not on grass? If your space is patio, decking or artificial grass, just mention it when you book so we can plan the setup.
Can we get the castle to your garden?
This is the one people forget. A packed-down bouncy castle is big and heavy, so we need a clear route from the van to your setup spot. Measure the narrowest point, which is usually a side gate or alleyway.
We need direct access to the garden. We can’t normally carry a castle through your house, so if a side gate or rear access isn’t available, have a chat with us before booking.
How to measure your garden in two minutes
- Pick the flattest, clearest part of the garden.
- Measure the length and width with a tape measure (or count your strides, roughly 2.5ft each).
- Take off a foot from each side for clearance, and a few feet at one end for the blower.
- Look up and check for branches, washing lines and cables.
- Measure the narrowest point of your side gate or access route.
Then compare your numbers with the castle sizes above. Still not sure? Send us a photo of your garden and your measurements and we’ll point you to the right castle.
Short on space? You’ve still got options
- Go compact. Our 8ft and 10ft toddler castles fit comfortably in most smaller gardens.
- Book a hall. If the garden really won’t work, a local hall gives you plenty of room and keeps the party going whatever the weather. Our Colchester hall and venue guide is a good place to start, and our indoor bouncy castle guide covers ceiling heights.
- Try soft play. Our soft play hire is perfect for little ones and needs less space than a castle.
Ready to find your castle?
Use our Castle Finder to match a castle to what your little one loves, or browse all our castles. If you’d like a second opinion on your space, get in touch or call us on 01206 587444. We’re always happy to help.
