Will a bouncy castle fit in my garden? A measurement guide
One of the most common questions we are asked is whether a bouncy castle will fit in a customer’s garden. The good news is that most gardens are suitable as long as the space is measured correctly. This guide explains how to check the size, shape and access of your garden so you can choose the right inflatable with confidence.
Measure the full length and width of your garden
Every inflatable needs a clear, flat area with enough room for the castle, the blower and the safety mats. Start by measuring the total usable space in your garden. This means the area that is free from sheds, flower beds, furniture, trees, trampolines or raised planters. Write down the length and width in feet or metres.
You will find exact product measurements on each item in our Bouncy Castles, Bounce & Slide Bouncy Castle Combos and Assault Courses categories. If you are unsure how to compare these with your garden size, we are happy to help.
Leave space around the inflatable
In addition to the size of the inflatable itself, you must leave space around the edges for safe use. Allow at least:
- 1 metre behind the inflatable for the blower and inflation tube
- 1 metre at each side for safety
- 2 metres at the front for entry, exit and safety mats
Safety spacing is essential because it gives users clear room to climb in and out and prevents the blower from being blocked.
Check the height if using walls or overhanging branches
Some gardens have archways, low trees or lean-to roofs that can affect the height clearance. Make sure the area above the inflatable is clear of branches, wires or any low structure. If you have any concerns, you can send us a photo and we will advise before your booking.
Check the ground surface
Most inflatables must be set up on real grass so that we can secure them safely. The ground needs to be level, free from holes and free from sharp objects. If you plan to use a hard surface such as concrete, please contact us first because specialist securing equipment will be needed.
Measure the access route to your garden
Access is just as important as garden size. We need a clear path from our van to your set-up area. Please check:
- a minimum of 3 ft width for most inflatables
- no tight corners that cannot be turned
- no full staircases, although one or two steps are fine
If you think access may be tight, please Contact Us. We can look at photos or talk through the layout with you. Most access concerns can be solved when we know in advance.
Consider the shape of your garden
Not all gardens are perfect rectangles. Some are long and narrow, some are L-shaped and some have split levels. Try to measure the largest usable space and think about where guests will stand or walk. We can often recommend inflatables that suit awkward shapes, including smaller items from our Indoor Low Height Inflatables range which work well in tighter outdoor spaces.
Power supply checks
Your inflatable needs one standard plug socket. We bring an extension lead, and all electrical equipment is PAT tested for safety. If your socket is far from the garden or in an awkward position, let us know. If power cannot reach the garden safely, you may need a generator.
If you are unsure, we can help
Many customers are not certain whether their garden is suitable until they speak with us. If you are unsure about any measurements, access or layout, simply Contact Us and we will guide you. You can send photos or video, and we will confirm whether your chosen inflatable will fit safely.
With a quick set of measurements and a check on access, most gardens are suitable for a bouncy castle. Our team are always here to help you choose the right inflatable and make the whole process simple.