The parish of Ringstead lies in the far northwest of Norfolk not too far from its coastline with not only the North Sea but also with The Wash. Ringstead is a medium sized village and rather linear with most properties built along a "C" shape of lanes, the village sits about 3 miles east of the seaside resort of Hunstanton in lanes off the A149 which curves around Norfolk's northwestern corner. A notable feature of the village is the route of the Peddar's Way trail which passes along the village streets en route from Breckland to the coast. The area sits on Norfolk's outcrop of chalk making for rather undulating scenery than is common in the county and the large fields are dominated by arable farming. Ringstead formerly held two parishes, St Andrew being preserved when St Peter was absorbed (just the tower of St Peter remains in the garden of the former rectory).

St Andrew's church sits on the western side of Ringstead's street as it climbs up the hill. The church has its origins in the 13th century, Pevsner dates both the western tower and the southern doorway to a date close to 1300 with the chancel a few decades later. The nave shows features of the Perpendicular era including the windows. The building has, however, had a major restoration of 1865 which Pevsner bemoans as being "over-restored". At that time the northern aisle was added as well as many changes to the whole structure. The church sits in a slightly elevated site and a gravelled pathway rises from the entrance at the southern end to gain entry. Whilst there are a few trees around they do not overly impede photographic angles.