The parish of Beetley lies in central Norfolk about 3 miles north of the market town of East Dereham. Beetley is sited on the northern slopes of a tributary of the Rover Wensum and stretches along the B1146 road which connects East Dereham with Fakenham. There are two parts to Beetley, the modern settlement which lies as described and Old Beetley to the north about a half mile where the Hall and church are sited and which was the site of the original mediaeval village. The modern settlement grew up where it was owing to the crossing of the river and its road links whereas there are just minor lanes around church and hall.

St Mary Magdalene's church lies in Old Beetley close to the hall. The church is an early one for Norfolk and unusually is mostly in the Decorated style which preceded Perpendicular. Most of the fabric dates from the mid-14th century although the tower top was rebuilt in the 16th. There was some restoration but it was apparently done with a light touch, apart from the removal of an aisle (perhaps a result of declining population). The church sits, tucked away, to the east of the minor lane which runs north from modern Beetley towards the hall and the site is well-wooded giving shelter on the rather showery day I visited.