We know that stepping into a hospice for the first time can feel a bit daunting. Whether you’re coming in for care, to visit someone, to volunteer or even to work here, it’s normal to feel a little unsure. That’s why we’re so excited to share something new that we hope will make things a bit easier.  

Our new interactive 3D virtual tour gives you the chance to explore Ashgate Hospice from the comfort of your own home. You can take a virtual walk through our building in Chesterfield, look around at your own pace and get a feel for what to expect before you visit. 

From our welcoming reception and peaceful clinic rooms, to our beautifully refurbished Day Services area, you’ll be able to see the spaces where our care happens every single day. 

What is a 3D tour? 

Think of it like Google Street View, but inside Ashgate. You can move from room to room, look all around, and zoom in to explore. You can use your phone, tablet or computer, whatever suits you best. 

It’s simple, safe and designed to help you feel more comfortable before stepping through our doors.  

Why we’ve created it 

When people think of a hospice, they often imagine a clinical, gloomy place, focused only on the very end of life. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.  

Ashgate is full of life, warmth and care. We support people from the moment they’re diagnosed with a life-limiting or incurable illness, not just in their final days. Our patients often tell us they’re surprised by how relaxed and welcoming it feels here. 

The husband of one patient told us he thought our Inpatient Unit was “more like a hotel than a hospital”.  

By opening up our building virtually, we hope to gently challenge some of those common misconceptions and help more people feel confident about reaching out for support.

What you’ll be able to explore 

Day Services unit: Recently refurbished to double its capacity, with welcoming décor and flexible spaces for drop‑in sessions, therapies, peer groups and advice. 

Reception and waiting areas: Bright, airy spaces designed to feel more like a lounge and less like a clinic. 

Clinic and therapy rooms: Discreet, relaxed rooms where counselling or complementary therapies are offered. 

Fundraising hub: A place to speak to one of our fundraisers about upcoming events or your ideas for supporting Ashgate. 

Physiotherapy gym: A light and supportive space where people can work on their strength, balance and movement with the help of our expert team. 

Designed with accessibility in mind 

We know that for some people, especially those who are neurodivergent or anxious, the idea of visiting somewhere new can be overwhelming. This tour is here to help. 

You can explore at your own pace and revisit areas as many times as you like. No pressure. No surprises. Just the chance to feel a little more familiar and reassured before visiting us in person. 

Why now? 

In early 2025, we completed a major transformation of our Day Services – doubling capacity, enhancing décor, and allowing us to open up our services for two extra days each week. It felt like the perfect time to show our community what’s changed and to let more people explore what Ashgate is really like.