How Much to Rent a Bouncy Castle? A Simple Guide for Nottingham Events

“People won’t remember how much you spent—they’ll remember how the day made them feel.”

When you're planning an event, figuring out the entertainment can feel like one big guessing game—especially when you're trying to stick to a budget. One of the most common questions we hear at Bouncy Bounce is: “How much does it cost to rent a bouncy castle?”

It's a fair question. And like most things in event planning, the answer is: it depends—but that doesn’t mean you should be left in the dark.

This post breaks down what goes into bouncy castle hire prices, what kind of value you should expect, and how to avoid paying more than you need to. Whether you're planning a birthday in Nottingham, a school fun day in Derbyshire, or a wedding in Leicestershire, this guide is for you.

Why Prices Vary

Bouncy castle hire isn’t a one-size-fits-all service. Here are a few key things that can change the price:

Size of the inflatable – Larger castles cost more because they need more space, more time to set up, and sometimes extra staff to manage.
Type of inflatable – A basic bouncy castle is priced differently from a combo unit with a slide, an obstacle course, or a mechanical simulator.
Duration of hire – Most bookings are for a single day, but if you need an overnight hire or multi-day hire, there’s usually a small additional charge.
Event type – Weddings, corporate functions, or public events may require extra insurance, staffing, or risk assessments.
Travel distance – Some companies offer free delivery within a certain radius (we do in Nottingham), but further afield may incur mileage charges.

Understanding these factors helps you get a fair quote and avoid unnecessary extras.

Average Bouncy Castle Hire Prices in Nottingham

At Bouncy Bounce, we price our services fairly and transparently. Here's a general look at what you can expect:

Hire Type	Typical Price Range
Standard Kids Bouncy Castle	£90 – £110
Adult Bouncy Castle	£130 – £160
Bounce & Slide Combo	£120 – £150
Inflatable Slide	£180 – £250
Obstacle Course	£220 – £520
Soft Play Packages	£100 – £200
Rodeo Bull or Simulator	£385+ (with staff)
Garden Games & Extras	£30 – £90
Overnight Hire Add-on	~£40

These are real-world averages based on local event types and our client base in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Leicestershire.

What’s Included in the Price?

When you rent a bouncy castle from a professional company like Bouncy Bounce, the price includes more than just the inflatable itself:

Delivery and collection
Setup and full safety check
All necessary accessories (extension cables, mats, blowers, anchors, etc.)
Public liability insurance (£5 million)
Support in case of any issues on the day
Cleaning and sanitisation before every use

We don’t like surprise charges, and we know our customers don’t either. That’s why everything is clear up front.

Ways to Keep Costs Down

We’ve worked with enough families and event planners to know that value matters. Here are some ways you can make your budget stretch further:

Book early – This locks in availability and may qualify you for early-bird pricing.
Go for a package – Hiring multiple items like a castle + soft play + garden games? Ask about bundled discounts.
Host the party at home – Venues are great, but using your garden or a community field can save hundreds.
Choose the right size – A 12x12ft castle is plenty for 10 kids under age 8. Bigger isn’t always better.
Skip unnecessary extras – Only add generators, overnight hire, or add-ons if you really need them.

FAQs About Bouncy Castle Pricing

Do you charge a deposit?

Yes, we usually require a small deposit to secure your date. This is deducted from your final balance.

What if the weather turns bad?

We totally understand the unpredictability of British weather. We offer flexible cancellation options due to rain or wind, and we’re always happy to talk about indoor alternatives if needed.

Can I book multiple inflatables?

Yes! And it often works out cheaper. Multi-hire discounts are available if you're hiring for bigger events like school fetes or weddings.

Do you offer custom quotes?

Always. If you’re unsure about which inflatable to choose or how to combine things, just get in touch. We’ll tailor the hire to your event and budget.

Event Types and Price Expectations

Let’s break this down further by event type so you know what to expect:

🎂 Children’s Birthdays (Back Garden or Hall)

Typical spend: £90–£130
Includes a small or themed bouncy castle. Add soft play for toddlers.

🏫 School Fun Days or Fairs

Typical spend: £250–£600+
Includes larger inflatables like obstacle courses, slides, and games.

💍 Weddings

Typical spend: £150–£500+
White bouncy castles, light-up letters, garden games, soft play zones to keep kids busy.

🧑‍💼 Corporate Events

Typical spend: £300–£800+
Obstacle courses, rodeo bulls, simulators, branding options, and staff included.

When we say there’s something for every budget—we mean it.

What to Watch Out For When Hiring a Bouncy Castle

Not all bouncy castle hire companies operate to the same standards. While it’s tempting to go with the cheapest quote, cutting corners can lead to disappointment—or worse, unsafe conditions.

Here’s what to be cautious of:

❌ No insurance or safety checks

Always make sure the company you’re hiring from carries public liability insurance (we do—£5 million cover) and that their inflatables are PIPA or RPII tested regularly.

❌ Dirty or damaged equipment

There’s no excuse for dirty castles. All units should be cleaned, inspected, and sanitised after each hire. If a company can't guarantee that, it’s best to look elsewhere.

❌ Vague or hidden pricing

Transparent pricing matters. If you’re getting an unclear quote with add-ons popping up later, that’s a red flag. We keep our pricing clear and inclusive, so there are no surprises on the day.

❌ Poor communication

Planning an event is stressful enough—you don’t need suppliers who are slow to respond or don’t confirm key details. Choose a team that values your time.

Seasonal Pricing and Demand

One thing to keep in mind is seasonal pricing and availability. During peak seasons—especially May through September—demand skyrockets, especially on weekends. Prices don’t always go up, but availability disappears fast.

To secure the best deal:

Book 4–6 weeks in advance for summer weekends
Consider midweek events for better flexibility and pricing
Think about indoor venues during colder months—soft play and low-height castles work brilliantly in community halls

Planning ahead not only saves money, but also gives you the best choice of inflatables.

kids having fun on a bouncy castle hire in the park

Final Tips Before Booking

Before you hit that “Book Now” button, make sure you’ve:

✅ Measured your space accurately ✅ Confirmed your power supply or need for a generator ✅ Checked for weather cover if outdoors ✅ Asked about staff supervision (for bigger inflatables or public events) ✅ Got your timing nailed—especially if you're working with a venue slot

These small steps help you avoid any last-minute issues and ensure the day runs smoothly.

Why Hire From a Local Company?

Hiring a local bouncy castle company in Nottingham (like us!) has real advantages:

We know local venues and council requirements.
Delivery times are shorter and more reliable.
You support a local business—something that really matters to us.

Also, if anything goes wrong on the day (which is rare, but it happens), we can respond quickly.

Final Word on Pricing

If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years, it’s this:

People remember how your event felt. The laughs. The excitement. The energy.

And when you get the right bouncy castle, everything else falls into place.

At Bouncy Bounce, we keep our pricing fair, our equipment safe, and our service consistent. Whether you’re hiring for a family party or a 300-person event, we’ll help you choose the right setup—and keep things stress-free from start to finish.

📍 Serving: Nottingham, Derbyshire, Leicestershire

📞 Call us: [Insert phone number]

💻 Book online: [Insert website]

🎉 Packages available for all occasions