Graveley Fruit Farm in Hitchin, UK, has drawn criticism from parents who deem its Titanic-themed children's ride "distasteful" and "disrespectful." The ride, which has been in operation for several years, allows children to board a replica of the ill-fated oceanliner and then slide down chutes onto a crash mat.
The attraction, costing just under $3 per ride, is referred to as "The Titanic" and features tickets designed as boarding passes. Critics have expressed dismay that a ride is modeled after a historical tragedy that resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,500 people when the ship struck an iceberg on April 15, 1912. One online commenter stated, "I cannot believe that you have created a game and ride based on such a tragedy."
Initially, representatives for the farm reportedly apologized and intended to change the ride's name, according to The Sun. However, the attraction's name remains "The Titanic."
Farm manager Will explained that after pressure from critics, the name was temporarily changed. However, the decision was reversed after "considerably more people" urged them not to yield to what he described as the "woke" brigade. Will also stated that approximately 500 people use the ride daily and that it has only offended a small number of individuals. He further commented that "Titanic has become almost a byword in the English language" and that "There are no survivors, or for that matter, children of survivors alive today."
Graveley Fruit Farm, established in 1981, typically offers activities such as berry picking and a playground.