Providing high-quality palliative care in rural areas presents significant challenges for community nurses, influenced by geographical, social and economic factors. Patients in rural areas often experience limited access to healthcare, specialist services and social support, which leads to disparities in care. As primary coordinators of palliative care, community nurses, have an essential role in managing patients’ complex needs at home, but they are often hindered by workforce shortages, inadequate resources and isolation. This article explores these challenges, including the effect of living in rural areas on access to services, the pressure on carers and the challenges of medicines management. It also examines potential solutions, for example neighbourhood-level resource allocation and community-based interventions such as palliative public health. Despite national frameworks promoting equitable palliative care, inequalities remain, particularly for patients from diverse backgrounds or those in remote areas. The author calls for further research into the experiences of patients and families in rural settings, highlighting the need for improved community engagement, service integration and policies that address these challenges to ensure equitable, person-centred palliative care for all.