Barton-le-Clay is situated in Central Bedfordshire between Bedford and Luton, 32 miles (51 km) north of London. Nearby villages include Sharpenhoe, Silsoe, Hexton and Streatley. The A6 which runs from Luton (6 miles south of the village) bypasses Barton and continues through Bedford (north of the village) to Carlisle. The bypass was constructed in January 1990, after which the village was greatly extended with a significant housing development being introduced to enhance an established community. The population of Barton is currently in the region of 5,000 with approximately 2,300 homes.
Barton benefits from a range of shops, pubs and restaurants which line Bedford Road and provide a natural hub for the village. Both the lower and middle schools are located within easy walking distance of all residential areas, and funded transport is provided to Harlington Upper School. A GP practice, optician and dentist provide for personal health care with veterinary clinic catering for pets needs. A thriving church community meets weekly at both the Anglican and Methodist churches, and a multitude of recreational groups and sporting facilities offer a range of activities for both the young and old.
In the southeast of the parish are the Barton Hills, which form the northeast extremity of the Chiltern Hills. Much of this area of chalk downland is now a nature reserve managed by Natural England. To the west of the village is the Sharpenhoe Clappers; a classic chalk escarpment which is part of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is crowned with traces of an Iron Age hill-fort and an impressive beech wood. Visitors to both of these local beauty spots will be astounded by the impressive views over the surrounding countryside.