The parish of Whissonsett is located in the northwestern part of central Norfolk. Whissonsett is a large compact village lying about 4 miles south of the market town of Fakenham. Whissonsett sits in a complex of lane about 2 miles east of the A1065 road which links Fakenham with Swaffham. The village has a compact structure with an oblong of road forming the heart of the village and enclosing a central space of cottages and more modern housing and in the centre itself, the church. The area around Whissonsett is typical of much of Norfolk, rather flat or gently sloping with large arable fields dominating under "big" skies. To the north of the village land falls into a shallow valley whence a tributary of the Wensum flows contrariwise westwards to join its eastward flowing main stream. As a substantial village Whissonsett has managed to retain many of its facilities with local shops & pub still functioning.

St Mary's church sits at the heart of the village, indeed it marks the absolute centre of the built area. The church is accessed by a long driveway heading northwards from the High Street and the church &churchyard is enclosed all about by properties. The church is almost totally in the typical style for Norfolk, that of the Perpendicular and Pevsner consequently grants it the 14th and 15th century dates for that period. The church, however, was rather over-restored in 1873 and this is characteristically criticized by him as "over-restored". The site is a very attractive feature for the village forming a quiet heart to the community.