It takes up the north of New Milton civil parish of a type having a town council, and is a semi-rural community in New Forest District, to which it contributes about a quarter of the population of the ward of the same name.

Bashley has two garden centres, both football and cricket clubs, a few guesthouses, two riding schools/centres, a post office/store and a petrol station.

Within the forest commons across cattle grids in its former hamlet of Wootton which has a large listed building pub-restaurant, once a drovers' retreat.

The earliest mention of Bashley is recorded in a charter belonging to Christchurch Priory where reference is made to an estate called Bagesluceleia for the year 1053.

[6] Ossemsley Manor changed hands a few times during the 19th century before being rebuilt in 1908 for Sir Alfred Cooper (1846-1915).

[12] Bashley Football Club reached the Second Round proper of the FA Cup in the 1994–95 season, and were hosts to Swansea City to whom they narrowly lost 1–0.

[13] Bashley Village Hall is also home to a popular flower show held annually.