The parish of Bacton lies on Norfolk's eastern coast about 5 miles northeast of the market town of North Walsham. Bacton lies at the point where the more southerly sand dunes give way to low sandy cliffs, albeit cliffs which are being rapidly eroded by the North Sea. Bacton lies on the coastal road, here a narrow winding lane rather than a major road and nowadays is very much a place for a beach break with all of the attendant trimmings to support that activity. In the past the settlement was a mixture of agriculture and maritime activities, the babies born to "preventive boatmen" or coast guards being particularly notable. In more modern times Bacton has become dominated by the North Sea gas industry as to the north of the village a plant to bring ashore gas has been constructed, this site being larger in area than the village itself.

St Andrew's church lies slightly inland of the modern settlement on a quiet lane leading to Edingthorpe and North Walsham. The church is very much in the standard mold of Perpendicular Norfolk churches with its dominant western tower very similar to many in this area. Also like many Norfolk churches there was much change and refreshment by the enthusiastic Victorians which sadly masks many of the original features. In summary a pleasant and very typical Norfolk church.