FAQs

How do I book?

The preferred method for booking is via our online booking system at www.sjleisure.co.uk. Alternatively, you can call us on 01744 602716. Please note that mobile numbers provided are NOT for bookings or enquiries—they are strictly for emergency use. To secure your chosen hire products, a 20% booking fee is required online. Failure to pay the booking fee will result in cancellation.
Booking fee required for all bookings. No exceptions.

How much notice do I need to give for a booking?

Bookings can be made anytime online, though we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment, as demand is high year-round. You may also call our office (9 am – 6 pm) for last-minute availability: 01744 602716.

When are your products available?

Our hire products are available throughout most of the year, except on holidays such as Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day. Check our online booking form for specific availability.

How long is the hire period?

  • Summer daily hires (March - October): Delivery between 7:30 am and 12 pm; collection between 5 pm and 8 pm.
  • Winter daily hires (October - March): Delivery between 7:30 am and 12 pm; collection between 4 pm and 7 pm.
  • Overnight hires: Delivery on the selected date between 7:30 am and 12 pm; collection the following day between 7:30 am and 1 pm.
  • Fixed time delivery and collections (Venues only): Between 10 am and 5 pm. Additional hours may be available upon request by email at info@sjleisure.co.uk.
  • Multi-day hires: Delivery on the first day between 7:30 am and 12 pm; collection between 5 pm and 8 pm (summer) or 4 pm and 7 pm (winter) on the final day.

Do you hire overnight?

We offer overnight hires for most products, subject to an additional fee. This option will be displayed on the online booking form. A refundable deposit may be required, depending on the product.
Overnight hires are subject to the driver’s assessment and the customer’s responsibility for any damage or loss.

What if I need to cancel?

Please refer to our cancellations policy here.
Booking fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, as the items are allocated for your requested date and time.

Incorrect contact details

If we receive incorrect contact details and cannot confirm your booking, the reservation will be cancelled, and the items will be made available again. No exceptions.

Discount codes

Discount codes cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, including multiple day hires, special offers, or reduced-rate products. These codes must be used online when prompted at the time of booking. They strictly cannot be added to a booking retrospectively.

Delivery areas

Based in St Helens, Merseyside, we cover a large area, including parts of Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and Merseyside. During the off-peak season (October–March), we extend our service area further, covering Bolton, Preston, Southport, Chester, and more. For large events, we may travel further—contact us for details at info@sjleisure.co.uk.

How much does it cost?

Please visit our online booking system here for specific pricing. Costs vary based on location, product, and duration. All pricing is displayed upon completing the booking form.

What does the price include?

Prices include delivery, setup, breakdown, and collection. Specific inclusions are detailed on each product listing.

Do I need to pay a deposit/booking fee?

Yes, a 20% booking fee is required to confirm your booking. Some products may require a higher deposit. This payment can be made online via PayPal or accepted credit/debit cards.
Booking fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

How do I pay?

Details on payment can be found here.

Delivery fees

Additional delivery fees may apply depending on location. The full hire quote, including delivery fees, will be provided when you enter your postcode during the booking process.

Fixed delivery and collection times

For venues only, fixed delivery and collection times are available between 10 am and 5 pm, with an additional fee of £10.

Booking fees

Booking fees are approximately 20% and are paid via PayPal. This fee secures your booking and is non-refundable, even in case of adverse weather. Customers can move bookings indoors if necessary, but the booking fee remains non-refundable.

Can anyone sign, supervise, and pay for the items?

A responsible adult (18+) must be present at the delivery location to sign for, supervise, and pay any remaining balance. If no responsible adult is available, the equipment will not be left, and the booking fee will not be refunded.

Set up area

By booking, you confirm that your setup area meets our requirements. Ensure the area is clear of underground pipes, cables, and obstructions. We are not liable for any damage to underground services. If your property has an upgraded electrical system, inform us to ensure we bring the correct RCDs. We do not set up inflatables on hard surfaces like car parks or playgrounds without prior notice.

How much space is needed?

Each product listing provides dimensions. Access paths should be at least 33 inches wide. Please clear any garden items, including pet mess, from the setup area before our arrival.

Indoor and home deliveries

For indoor or home deliveries, we carry equipment through at your own risk. We recommend access through large areas like side or back gates. A charge of £10 may apply for deliveries through homes. Equipment is typically similar in size to a standard wheelie bin when wrapped, however the size of the item when packed away will be listed on each product listing as 'required access width'. If an item is unsuitable for indoor delivery, this will be stated.

Do your staff carry DBS checks?

We do not carry out DBS checks, as they are not required for our staff roles. We are present at your event to set up and pack down equipment, not to supervise users. Event organisers are responsible for supervision.

Damage or loss charges

Customers will be charged for any damage, loss, or misuse of equipment. Charges will cover repairs, replacements, and any loss of earnings whilst the equipment is unavailable.

Insurance

We carry £5 million public liability insurance, which covers setup, pack down, and equipment. Customers are responsible for event supervision and may arrange optional insurance for their event.

Can the bouncy castle be set up on a slope?

Contact us prior to booking if you’re unsure about the suitability of your setup area. Photos of the area are helpful for advising.

Does the equipment have to be set up on my property?

Yes, the equipment must be on your property or land with permission. We will not set up on open spaces, such as fields behind houses without advance written permission from the landowner (must be received at least 4 weeks before event takes place). Please Contact us if you're unsure prior to booking.

What if I replace grass with artificial grass?

Artificial grass may be unsuitable for large inflatables that require staking. Small inflatables may be suitable on artificial grass or concrete, but please check the product 'suitability' tab for more information. If you booked an inflatable for the wrong surface, contact us immediately.

How long does setup take?

Setup time varies by product. Some items are ready in 5 minutes; others may take up to an hour. Contact us for specific setup times for your chosen product.

Can inflatables be set up on pub car parks, etc.?

We do not set up inflatables on hard surfaces like pub car parks without prior consultation. If the area is not agreed upon beforehand, the equipment will not be set up, and the booking fee will not be refunded.

Can I turn off the power after inflating?

Inflatables require a constant air flow to remain inflated. You may turn off the fan when not in use, but it must be running when the equipment is being used.

Can items be set up indoors and outdoors?

Most products can be set up indoors or outdoors if there’s adequate space. However, some items require specific surfaces, such as grass. Check the ‘suitability’ tab on the product page.

What if it rains?

We allow hires in light rain, as most inflatables have rain covers. However, we recommend drying the equipment if it gets wet to avoid slipping.
In unsafe weather, we reserve the right to cancel outdoor events for safety reasons.

What happens in windy conditions?

Outdoor events may have to be 'blanket cancelled' if wind speeds exceed 24 mph.

Is there an age limit for kids' castles?

Most children's bouncy castles are suitable for children up to age 12, with height limits specified on each product page.

Can adults use the bouncy castle?

We have a range of adult suitable bouncy castles that can be found here. Other products, such as obstacle courses may be suitable for adult use but these items are restricted based on height rather than age.

Do I need to provide anything for the hire?

Photo ID may be required at the time of delivery as well as a recent utility bill matching the ID details. If your chosen equipment requires power and you have not arranged external power supply from us, you will need to supply suitable power sources.

Do you provide safety instructions?

Yes, safety instructions are provided verbally and by email before the hire.

Clothing

We recommend long-sleeved clothing and long pants for all users. Shoes must not be worn on inflatables at any time.

Cleaning charges

A minimum £30 cleaning charge will apply if equipment is returned dirty. We do not hire inflatables for paint parties or colour runs. Any damage caused by misuse will result in the hirer being responsible for cleaning, repairs, and any lost hire fees due to the item being unavailable for future customers.

Additional rules

Strictly no silly string, party poppers, food, drink, face paints, pens, glitter, or confetti on our inflatables. A cleaning charge will apply if found.
You are responsible for supervision and safekeeping of all hired items.

WHILST EQUIPMENT IS ON HIRE TO YOU FROM SJ'S LEISURE, WITHOUT OUR STAFF PRESENT, YOU (THE CUSTOMER / CLIENT) ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SUPERVISION AND SAFE KEEPING OF THE EQUIPMENT AND IT'S USERS. UNDER EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCE OUR COLLECTION MAY BE LATER THAN PLANNED, DURING THIS TIME YOU ARE STILL RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SUPERVISION AND SAFE KEEPING OF THE EQUIPMENT. SJ'S LEISURE CANNOT AND WILL NOT ACCEPT LIABILITY FOR ANY DAMAGE OR LOSS OF PERSONAL PROPERTY AND / OR ANY INJURY ARISING FROM THE USE OF THE EXTENDED HIRE. SJ'S LEISURE CANNOT AND WILL NOT ACCEPT LIABILITY FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE TO OUR PROPERTY WHILST IN YOUR CARE UNTIL SUCH A TIME AS WE ARE ABLE TO COLLECT THE ITEM(S).

Got another question?


Sorry we couldn’t give you all the answers you were hoping for, please Contact us and we’ll come straight back to you

DISCLAIMER: Whilst we endeavour to deliver all of our equipment on time and in good condition, there may be an unfortunate, unplanned, and rare circumstance that conditions are taken out of our hands.

As you will be aware SJ's Leisure offer an overnight hire service which sometimes requires us to collect items from the previous hire just before delivering it to your venue. In extreme cases, we sometimes may find that the equipment is wet or dirty and may have to be wiped over and/or dried out once we reach your venue, so please ensure you have allowed plenty of time for us to carry out these duties before your party starts. We usually recommend at least one hour just in case.

In addition to this, we, very occasionally, find that the equipment has been damaged and unreported by the previous hirer and as such we may have to (without warning) substitute your equipment for something similar to ensure that we can provide you with very similar entertainment to what you have ordered.