The station, situated 13 miles (21 km) south of Haltwhistle, is in the market town of Alston, Eden in Cumbria, England.

In March 1851, the 4+1⁄2-mile (7 km) section from Haltwhistle to Shaft Hill (which was later renamed Coanwood) was opened to goods traffic, with passenger services commencing in July 1851.

Construction of the branch line was completed in November 1852, following the opening of the, now Grade II* listed,[4] Lambley Viaduct over the River South Tyne.

Following improvements to the road network, including a temporary level crossing over the branch at Lambley, the line was closed on 3 May 1976 by the British Railways Board, with the last train working two days earlier.

In July 1983, the station reopened as part of the South Tynedale Railway, also serving as the organisation's headquarters.