[2] For the purposes of local government, it falls within the district of King's Lynn and West Norfolk.

The village is on the south side of the A148 King's Lynn to Cromer road.

It has a Pub 'The Rose and Crown', The two shops, and a Post Office which used to operate in the village have closed.

Nearby points of interest include Houghton Hall located north of the parish and the Peddars Way, accessible from the A148 just west of town.

Harpley can be reached from King's Lynn and Fakenham on the X8 bus service, operated by Stagecoach Norfolk.