The parish of Yaxham lies almost centrally within Norfolk being roughly 2 miles south of the market town of East Dereham. Yaxham sits on the B1135 road which connects East Dereham through to Wymondham and lies just across the infant River Tud from its larger neighbour. Like most Norfolk parishes Yaxham was a largely arable farming parish, estimates place almost 90% of the parish acreage set to arable in the early 19th century. Whilst arable farming continues to be the mainstay there is a growing development with commuters to both East Dereham and the city of Norwich from the village in more recent times. The infant Tud forms a shallow valley to the north of the village and most properties commence once out of this marshier area, most properties lie along the B1135 or the broad lane running eastwards towards Mattishall. Modern developments did come to Yaxham in the form of the railway line which once connected East Dereham to Wymondham, Yaxham having a station along that line. Now a heritage line there are plans to reopen services in the future.

St Peter's church sits to the north of most properties accessed along the dead-end lane of Church Lane which runs northwards from the junction of B1135 and the Mattishall road, The presence of a round tower is always strongly indicative of an early church, in this case the tower dates from either the late 11th or early 12th century. The tower is, however the only remaining portion of the church this early. The southern arcade with its 4 bays is in the Decorated style and Pevsner places this as 14th century, all of the remainder is Perpendicular carrying dates between 1435 and 1528 from documentary evidence. Even the tower was unaffected by this major rebuild, the bell stage being also from the early 16th century. More work followed in Victorian times albeit this was light and restricted to replacing the windows of the chancel, a Decorated style was adopted for these which may reflect the original style. Church Lane is narrow and shady, a small area is available for a car outside the entrance gates. The churchyard, surrounded by the typical flint & brick wall, has metal gates granting entry. There are many trees gathered about but the majority are set back slightly from the church allowing some views for the photographer.