East Harling parish lies in southern Norfolk north-east of the market town of Thetford and just south of the main A11 Norwich to London road. The village is substantial with all facilities still intact. East Harling forms the northern entrance to the Brecks with extensive sandy heaths to the south and west of the village. The busy B1111 runs through the village as a main street and is lined with shops, businesses and pubs. East Harling has its own station and recently has been graced by England's only whisky distillery.

St Peter & St Paul's church lies adjacent to the B1111 on the western edge of the village and tucked away behind low walls in an extensive graveyard. Pevsner describes it as "the best church in its neighbourhood" and it is certainly impressive. A mixture of Perpendicular and Decorated styles the church shows several building phases over the early 14th century to the mid 15th century making it a relatively late church for Norfolk. It's distinctive 15th century spire rising from a surrounding set of buttresses is quite unique.