The parish of Hilgay lies in western Norfolk on the edges of Norfolk's Fenland. The village, formerly astride the A10 road from the market town of Downham Market to Ely, is now bypassed and quiet with only local traffic to disturb the peace. Hilgay is situated on the banks of the River Wissey a couple of miles east of where that river merges with the Great Ouse. All around are the broad and wide flatlands of the Fens rich in agricultural land and low lying and easily flooded. Most of Hilgay is built along the old line of the A10 which formerly ran on a north-south line but is now diverted to the west to pass the village. The site takes advantage of an "island" if higher ground (just 10 metres of a rise) above the surrounding Fens which lie at just 2 metres above sea-level despite being over 15 miles from the sea.

All Saints church is set in the south-east of the village and is accessed by a beautiful avenue of mature lime trees giving shade in an area of openness. The church was heavily restored in Victorian times which masks the true age. The features which remain point to a typical Perpendicular 14th Century date. The church makes much use of local carstone. The tower was rebuilt in 1792 following the collapse of the original, it appears rather squat an effect generated by the high line of the renovated nave.