Lanlivery is situated in the deanery and Hundred of Powder. The parish name means 'Church site (lann) of unknown name'. It is bounded on the north by Lanlivet and Lanhydrock (now a National Trust property), on the south by St Sampson (Golant), Tywardreath (home to the BBC2 series "It's not easy being Green") and Luxulyan with its spectacular viaduct and beautiful walks.

Lanlivery lay on the important 'Saints Way' from Ireland to France. The modern parish of Lanlivery encompasses around 6,000 acres and is mainly agricultural. Sloping gently south from 650 feet inland to around sea level at its most southerly boundary, the parish straddles the old prehistoric trans-peninsula trade route and its modern counterpart the A390. This is one of the two main trunk roads into the county making easy access to all parts of Cornwall.

The three main buildings dominated by and near the church tower are the 1870's Primary School, The Crown Inn of 13th Century origin and the complex of Churchtown Farm Field Studies Centre. There are also a few late 18th century cottages. The tower of the church can be spotted for miles around, easily leading you home.

The hamlet of Puddle situated 1/4 mile south of Lanlivery comprises 4 cottages and a farm. Sometimes it is referred to as 'Mount Pleasant'. No. 2 Puddle is a delightful cottage which may once have belonged to a miner. It still has the old water pump outside the front door.

There are woodlands opposite the cottage with beautiful bluebells in the Spring and a stream at the bottom of the hill.