The parish of Haddiscoe sits in the extreme southeast of Norfolk and forms part of the boundary with neighbouring Suffolk. Haddiscoe sits on the A143 road which links the Suffolk market town of Beccles with the port of Great Yarmouth and marks the point where that road crosses the River Waveney. The Waveney, here, is bordered by extensive grazing marshes typical of the Broads but Haddiscoe keeps its feet dry by being sited just on to higher ground. Despite this minor elevation the livelihood of the parish would have come from the pastures and wildfowling presented by the low lying land, supplemented by arable farming on the higher ground. Even today Haddiscoe is a small settlement, the A143 brings some passing trade to shops and inns and the rail station (some distance away on the banks of the Waveney) enables transport to both Norwich and Lowestoft.

St Mary's church sits alongside the A143 at the western end of the village, it stands on a ridge overlooking the small valley of the Landspring Beck. The round tower immediately indicates that this is an early church, Pevsner confirms that part of the tower, at least, is Saxon and probably 11th century. From these early times also comes the elaborately decorated north & south doorways. Somewhat later, but still 13th century, is the chancel whilst the northern chapel & aisle are 14th century. The restoration typical of the Victorians is in fact 20th century (1908 to be precise) whilst they did replace many windows during the 19th century. St Mary's sits agreeably back from the busy road, it is marked by metal gates and small sign. A grassy path leads to the churchyard which is open and with extensive views across the marshes.