The village is about 105 metres (344 ft) above sea level on the southern slope of an extensive bed of sand and gravel, which creates an undulating landscape to the north-east of the parish.

This is the only part of the pre-Reformation church remaining, as it was mostly rebuilt in 1845-6 by a local architect Samuel Pountney Smith.

The Old Rectory, to the west of the church, may be oldest surviving house, although it has been altered and enlarged over time.

The oldest of the existing farmhouses appears to be Harley Forge Farm, to the west of the Domas road.

The church contains a brass plaque honouring 20 men from Harley parish who 'by the grace of God' all returned after that war.