Historically part of the North Riding of Yorkshire, it is situated on the A170 at the foot of Sutton Bank, about three miles east of Thirsk.

[6] The low level geology of the area is of Devensian clay on beds of lower Jurassic lias.

[7] There is a small waterway, Sutton Beck, that is part of the tributary system that joins the River Swale near Topcliffe.

[9] The village holds the distinction of being the longest hyphenated place name in England with 29 characters.

[11] The list also includes Sutton Hall, which was built in the 18th century and was the seat of the Smyth family until 1766.