The parish of Tilney St lawrence lies in western Norfolk in the Fenland midway between King's Lynn and Wisbech. The village centre lies to the south of the A47 road and merges nowadays with the neighbouring village of Terrington St John. Most of the village lies either side of the minor road linking the A47 with the Wiggenhalls. The area is very low-lying being merely 3 metres above sea level. The parish lands are rich soil and there is much agriculture and market gardening.

Pevsner is rather disparaging of St Lawrence church claiming that the Victorian extensions and restoration were "inflicted" on the building. As can be seen the chancel and transepts do sit somewhat incongruously with the tower and nave. The tower is, however, an attractive feature with much carrstone used The church sits to the north of the present village close by to the A47 and Aylmer Hall.