Graveley Farm in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, has ignited controversy with its Titanic-themed children's slide, leading to outrage among some parents who have described the attraction as "distasteful" and "disrespectful."
The ride, which has been in operation for several years, charges £2 per turn and features a replica ship that lifts its bow into the air, creating four slides. Children receive tickets in the form of boarding passes for the 1912 ship, with each ride referred to as a "wreck."
One parent, Andy Taylor, expressed his dismay on the farm's Facebook page, stating that basing a game and ride on the tragedy, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,500 people, including 60 children, is "sickening." He added that those who do not see an issue with it "clearly have no sense of morality."
Claire Borchers echoed these sentiments, calling the theme "odd" and questioning why a ride would be centered around "one of the worst tragedies in history." She drew a parallel to other historical tragedies, suggesting that a ride themed around the Twin Towers would not be acceptable, making the Titanic theme equally inappropriate. Borchers indicated she would not visit the attraction while the ride is present and would encourage others to do the same.
Initially, in response to the backlash, the farm issued an apology and indicated plans to change the ride's name. However, the farm's owners later reversed this decision. A spokesperson for Graveley Farm stated that after receiving more feedback from individuals who urged them not to "give into the woke brigade," they decided to reinstate the original name.
The spokesperson further commented that "Titanic has become almost a byword in the English language and there are no survivors, or children of survivors alive today."
Graveley Farm, established in 1981, also offers activities such as fruit-picking, crazy golf, a playground, and water slides.
