Santa’s Grotto Hire Terms & Conditions

Santa’s Grotto – Terms & Conditions of Hire

By making a booking with Santa’s Grotto Hire (part of Cottle’s Castles), you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted these terms and conditions. Any booking received by phone, email, online form, or in person will be considered as full acceptance of these terms.

1. Cancellations Beyond Our Control
On rare occasions, unforeseen circumstances such as severe weather, traffic delays, vehicle breakdowns, or staffing issues may prevent us from fulfilling your booking. Should this happen, we will provide a full refund of any payment made.

2. Delivery & Collection Times
We aim to deliver and set up our equipment before midday and collect after 5pm. For venue hires, we will work to the times agreed in advance. If installation is delayed due to factors outside our control, we will extend collection to ensure you receive your full hire time.

3. Payments

A 20% non-refundable booking fee (rounded to the nearest £10) is required at the time of booking, payable via our website.
The outstanding balance must be paid in full on the day of hire, either in cash or through the secure payment link we provide.
Please see our cancellation section for further details.

4. Hire Location Requirements

Equipment dimensions listed on our website are approximate – please ensure there is sufficient space at your venue.
It is the customer’s responsibility to measure accurately and confirm adequate access. If our team arrives and the equipment cannot be safely installed, the customer remains liable for the full hire cost.
Outdoor inflatables must be set up on flat, clear ground. For indoor hires, please ensure there is enough ceiling height to accommodate the inflatable.
A 240V mains electricity supply is required. If your location does not have a circuit breaker, you must inform us beforehand so we can provide an RCD.
We do not deliver to communal or shared spaces such as public greens or shared gardens. Bookings made for such spaces will still be charged in full.

5. Property & Access

We cannot be held responsible for any damage caused to narrow access points (less than 3ft wide), steps, fences, doors, or interiors when moving heavy equipment.
Please move vehicles in advance so our team can access the set-up area.
Any underground pipes or cables must be declared before installation, as we use metal stakes to secure equipment.

6. Conditions of Use

A responsible adult (18+) must supervise the equipment at all times.
Age/height restrictions stated on our website must be followed.
No one under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or intoxicants may use the equipment.
Shoes, jewellery, and sharp objects must be removed.
No food, drink, pets, chewing gum, face paint, silly string, or party poppers are permitted.
Equipment must not be overcrowded – follow maximum user limits stated.
Users must not climb on walls, roofs, or sides of inflatables.
Slides must always be used feet-first.
Do not wet inflatables – a £100 charge will apply if water damage occurs.
Pregnant individuals and those with back, neck, or heart conditions must not use the equipment.
Customers must regularly check anchorage points, mats, fans, and electrical safety throughout the hire.
Smoking, candles, BBQs, and heaters are strictly prohibited near the equipment.
Equipment must not be moved after installation.

7. Weather Conditions

Inflatables will not be hired in high winds. If gusts exceed 24mph during your hire, stop use immediately and turn off the blower.
During heavy rain, users must be removed until conditions improve and equipment is dry.

8. Cleaning & Damage

Equipment is supplied clean and sanitised. Excessive mess will result in a £50 cleaning charge.
Permanent staining or damage will be charged at the cost of replacement.
Ball pit balls must be bagged ready for collection – a £20 charge applies if this is not done.
Customers are responsible for any damage or loss during the hire period, excluding normal wear and tear.

9. Health & Safety

Extension leads must be covered or positioned safely to prevent trips, this is the customers responsibility.
Children and pets must be kept away from blowers and electrical cables.

10. Cancellations by Us
We may occasionally cancel due to extreme weather or other unavoidable circumstances. In these cases, you will receive a full refund. Light or moderate rain will not result in cancellation – most of our inflatables have built-in rain covers. We will not bring our red carpets when rain is forcast for outdoor booking

11. Cancellations by the Customer

The 20% booking fee is non-refundable.
Bookings can be rescheduled once only (not the day before hire).
If you cancel the day before or on the day of your hire, the full outstanding balance remains payable and may be collected automatically from your provided payment details.