Turville is situated at the head of Hambleden valley and within the Chilterns area of outstanding natural beauty. The name Turville is Anglo-Saxon in origin and means 'dry field'. There are four main settlements: Turville village, Northend, Southend and Turville Heath.
Most of the area has always been used for agriculture. Historically the parish supplied chair legs to the Wycombe furniture industry but this has long ceased. While some residents are still involved in agriculture and other local businesses, most current residents are commuters to Wycombe, Henley-on-Thames and beyond, weekend visitors, or retirees.
The parish includes four conservation areas which are groups of buildings whose character, interest and history make them worthy of special protection and enhancement. It has 33 listed buildings and one area of special scientific interest (there is a further SSI on Cobstone hill). There are large areas of common land in Northend, Southend and Turville Heath and an extensive network of footpaths and bridleways.
The parish is frequently used as a setting for films (for example, Goodnight Mr Tom, Went the Day Well, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and On Chesil Beach). It has been used in television shows including The Vicar of Dibley, Midsommer Murders and Voyage Round My Father.