The ceremonial opening of this section of the line by the London and South Western Railway, was Tuesday, 20 July 1886, with public services commencing on the following day.

The layout was typical of all the stations on the North Cornwall line, with a substantial stationmaster's house, booking office and waiting room on the upside with both ladies' and gentlemen's toilets.

The platforms were only long enough for seven-passenger carriages, but from 18 October 1936 the Up loop was extended to accommodate up to twelve coaches.

[1] The gradual run-down in services during the 1960s saw Ashwater reduced to an unstaffed halt on 7 November 1965, followed by complete closure on 3 October 1966.

Today the station is a private residence, but the cast concrete name board is still in situ in peeling S.R.