Hethel is noted for containing the oldest known living hawthorn tree[4] in East Anglia and possibly in the United Kingdom (reputed to be more than 700 years old).

Planted in the 13th century, "Hethel Old Thorn" (a specimen of Common Hawthorn, Crataegus monogyna)[1][2] is in the village churchyard, which is classified as the smallest reserve under the care of the British Wildlife Trusts partnership.[3].

Located 7 miles (11 km) south west of Norwich, it was constructed in 1942 for American use and assigned USAAF designation "Station 114".

For a number of years the old airfield Nissen huts were used to house families awaiting re-housing under the post-war building programme.

Colin Chapman, the founder of Lotus, died of a heart attack in 1982 at the age of 54, having begun life an innkeeper's son and become a multi-millionaire industrialist.

In 1996, a majority share in Lotus was sold to Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Bhd (Proton), a Malaysian car company listed on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange.

All Saints Church[5] displays an unusual juxtaposition of styles, from its square Saxon tower to the red-brick east end which includes the 18th-century Branthwaite family chapel on the north side of the chancel.