About Bay

Bay is a coastal settlement located in Dorset, in the south of England. It lies within the SP8 postcode area and is known for its proximity to the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area offers access to sandy beaches and scenic walking trails along the coastline. The village has a small community with local amenities, including a few shops and a pub. It is a popular destination for visitors seeking a peaceful seaside retreat. The surrounding landscape features cliffs and coastal paths, providing opportunities for walking and enjoying views of the English Channel. Bay is easily reached by road from nearby towns and is well-served by public transport links.

School Ratings in Bay

Families in Bay have access to 20 local schools. A further 2 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Bay

Homes sell for an average of £322K locally. Most of the housing is made up of detached homes, averaging £420K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Bay

Crime in the area is lower than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Bay, with 7 incidents recorded in January 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Bay

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Bay around the national average for deprivation. Employment rates locally are in line with what is seen across England. Average incomes in the area are typical for England.

Broadband and Mobile Internet in Bay

Broadband services in Bay range from standard to superfast depending on location. Mobile signal strength on 4G is reasonable, though 5G and indoor coverage can be patchy. For the latest speed predictions, visit Ofcom's broadband checker.

Property Prices 2,671 sales

Average Price £322K
£4K — £14.3M
Detached £420K 1,044
Semi £266K 613
Terraced £218K 552
Flat £127K 321

Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools

13 Primary
2 Secondary
5 Other
Gillingham School Secondary Good 0.1 miles Gillingham Primary School Primary 0.3 miles St Mary the Virgin Church of England Primary School Primary 0.5 miles Gillingham Good 0.6 miles Wyke Primary School Primary 1 miles Milton-on-Stour Church of England Primary School Primary 1.6 miles Motcombe CofE Primary School Primary Good 2.3 miles Port Regis Preparatory School 2.5 miles Stower Provost Community School Primary 3.1 miles The Abbey CofE VA Primary School, Shaftesbury Primary Good 3.7 miles Mere Children's Centre Requires Improvement 3.7 miles Mere School Primary Good 3.7 miles

Deprivation and Employment in Bay IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Bay are around the national average based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment is accessible for most residents and household incomes reflect the broader national picture. The area maintains a steady balance between affordability and quality of life.

Overall Deprivation
7/10
Income
7/10
Employment
7/10
Education
6/10
Health
8/10
Housing
4/10
Living Environment
7/10
2,413 Children (0-15) 16%
8,683 Working Age 56%
5,591 Older (60+) 36%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 24.3% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 9.9% of over-60s in income-deprived households
Data from English Indices of Deprivation 2025 · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

Crime in Bay 38 crimes · January 2026

Low Crime Area

Crime levels in Bay are lower than the England and Wales average. While violence & sexual offences is the most frequently recorded category, the overall picture is one of a settled and secure small town where serious incidents remain uncommon.

18 Violence & Sexual Offences
7 Anti-Social Behaviour
4 Burglary
3 Criminal Damage & Arson
3 Public Order
2 Vehicle Crime
1 Other Theft
Local Policing
Dorset Gillingham and Shaftesbury Visit force website →
Data from data.police.uk · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.

Nearest Train Stations 4 stations

Gillingham (Dorset) Train Station 0.4 miles
Templecombe Train Station 7 miles
Tisbury Train Station 8.2 miles
Bruton Train Station 9.5 miles

Location

Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found

Gillingham 0.6 miles Bowridge Hill 0.6 miles Ham Common 0.6 miles Peacemarsh 0.9 miles Colesbrook 0.9 miles Madjeston 0.9 miles Wyke 1.2 miles Eccliffe 1.4 miles Milton on Stour 1.4 miles Elm Hill 1.9 miles East Stour Common 1.9 miles Motcombe 2 miles

Local Government

District Dorset
Ward Gillingham
Constituency North Dorset
Parish Gillingham
Region South West

Streets in SP8 30 shown View all streets

A30 6 Abbott's Way 1 Addison Close 2 Addison Terrace 1 Angel Lane 1 Anglers Road 1 Arun Close 1 Avondale Gardens 1 B3081 4 B3092 3 Back Lane 4 Back Street 7 Badgers Close 1 Barleyfields 1 Barnaby Mead 1 Barton Hill 1 Bay Lane 1 Bay Road 7 Bayfields 1 Berrycroft 1 Black Lawn 1 Bleet Lane 3 Bourne Way 1 Bowridge Hill 1 Breach Close 1 Breach Lane 2 Brewery Lane 1 Briar Close 1 Brickfield Industrial Estate 1 Brickfields Business Park 1

Postcodes in SP8 50 shown View all postcodes

SP8 4AA SP8 4AB SP8 4AD SP8 4AE SP8 4AG SP8 4AJ SP8 4AL SP8 4AN SP8 4AP SP8 4AQ SP8 4AR SP8 4AS SP8 4AT SP8 4AU SP8 4AW SP8 4AX SP8 4AY SP8 4AZ SP8 4BA SP8 4BB SP8 4BD SP8 4BE SP8 4BF SP8 4BG SP8 4BH SP8 4BJ SP8 4BL SP8 4BN SP8 4BP SP8 4BQ SP8 4BS SP8 4BT SP8 4BU SP8 4BW SP8 4BX SP8 4BY SP8 4BZ SP8 4DA SP8 4DB SP8 4DD SP8 4DE SP8 4DF SP8 4DG SP8 4DJ SP8 4DL SP8 4DN SP8 4DP SP8 4DQ SP8 4DR SP8 4DS