Elsing parish lies in the valley of the River Wensum approximately mid-way between Norwich and Fakenham. The centre of the village lies a bit away from the river but a second settlement (Mill Street) lies where the lane from Bawdeswell reaches firmer ground after crossing the flood plain.

St Mary's church lies in the southern part of the parish backing onto rising arable land which eventually reaches the main A47 road. The church is in a fairly typical Norfolk 14th century perpendicular-style and largely dates from a single build in the early 14th century. The church is notable for the excellent brass memorial to Sir Hugh Hastings mounted in the chancel - described by Pesvner as "the most sumptuous of all England"