The parish of Ellingham lies in Southern Norfolk in the valley of the River Waveney and on the border with Suffolk. Ellingham is roughly midway between the Suffolk market towns of Bungay and Beccles but on the north bank of the river. The village once bisected by the busy A143 road has now been bypassed and is much quieter for it. There is a notable centre to the village on slightly raised ground out of the flood plain but still only 4 metres above sea level.

St Mary's church lies slightly away from the village on the edge of the grazing land and close to the crossing of the Waveney. The church is fairly typical of Norfolk but is slightly later in age than the norm being 14th and 15th century in its construction. The church is set in a grassy churchyard and is a peaceful haven.