Calthorpe's name is of Viking origin and derives from the Old Norse for Kali's outlying farm or settlement.

[3] The watermill was constructed from timber and needed constant maintenance, a situation which was documented by the rectory accounts.

Within the parish of Calthorpe, there is documented evidence of several manor houses dating from the medieval period but all traces have now disappeared and their exact locations are not known.

The nearest railway station is at Gunton for the Bittern Line which runs between Sheringham, Cromer and Norwich and is 7.8 miles (12.6 km) from the village.

The timber roof of the nave dates from the medieval period and is constructed with rows of Arch-braced trusses.

The village's national constituency is North Norfolk, which has been represented by the Liberal Democrat Steff Aquarone MP since 2024.

Calthorpe's war memorial is a marble tablet set into the exterior wall of St. Margaret's Church.