HIGHFIELD & 1864

HIGHFIELD – 1864

Overview

HIGHFIELD, paired with its 1864 restaurant, is an inviting modern country house hotel on the edge of Driffield, East Yorkshire. Housed in a grand Victorian merchant’s home dating back to its eponymous year, it is a bold, design-led retreat that combines five-star guest accommodation with highly rated destination dining. Whether you’re a food lover seeking a leisurely gourmet escape or a couple after a stylish Yorkshire Wolds getaway, Highfield blends period architecture with a playful, creative luxury perfect for a one- or two-night break.

Eat

The 1864 restaurant, set within the house’s striking drawing room and out onto its terrace, brings contemporary British cooking to the fore. Under the guidance of head chef Nathan Carlisle, whose background combines classical training with a passion for local produce, the menu celebrates the East Yorkshire larder with flair. You’ll find meticulously sourced meat, estate-grown veg and foraged herbs, all elevated by confident modern techniques—think native venison with sharp garden berries, or line-caught fish paired with seasonal brassicas.

The restaurant has been awarded two AA Rosettes, recognising its ambition and distinctive style. Expect multi-course menus—often tasting-style in the evening—with creative flourishes, bold sauces and understated yet polished service. Afternoon teas, renowned in the region, feature inventive patisserie and Yorkshire twists. The sense of occasion is heightened by the elegant yet unstuffy setting and the kitchen’s clear commitment to provenance and sustainability.

Sleep

Accommodation at HIGHFIELD is a masterclass in cleverly curated design: bedrooms stretch from whimsical suites to restful, art-filled doubles, all anchored by high ceilings, rich textiles and seriously comfortable beds. Each is individually styled, balancing original details—panelling, feature fireplaces—with playful, colourful furniture and luxurious bathrooms. It’s a restful foil to the excitement of dinner downstairs, and the kind of place you’ll want to linger. The property is well-suited to couples, urbanites seeking a rural fix, or anyone seeking country house indulgence with a sharp modern edge.

Retreat

Guests have the run of glorious landscaped grounds—perfect for a morning stroll, or afternoon drinks on the suntrap terrace. The market town of Driffield, just a short walk away, offers independent shops and the gateway to the East Yorkshire Wolds. Within half an hour’s drive you’ll find Beverley’s minster and racecourse, Bridlington’s wild coastline, and some of England’s prettiest countryside for walking and cycling.

By car, HIGHFIELD is about 35 minutes from York and just over 20 miles from Hull; the nearest rail station is Driffield, an easy taxi hop away. It’s a compelling base for relaxed days exploring stately homes, rolling hills or the Wolds Way, with evenings reserved for the pleasures of 1864’s kitchen.