[1] It was opened by the "Little" North Western Railway in July 1849, as one of the intermediate stations on their line between Skipton and Ingleton[2] which subsequently became part of a through route between West Yorkshire and the Lancashire seaside town of Morecambe (and ultimately part of the Midland Railway main line from London to Scotland).

The main buildings were located on the southbound side, whilst the two offset platforms were initially linked by a foot crossing.

[4] Consequently, the station was well patronised by ramblers heading for Malhamdale, as well as by local farmers sending their produce & livestock to market in Skipton and Leeds.

[5] The film's main star, noted American actress Bette Davis, was apparently so impressed by it (according to reports in the local press) that she enquired if the station was for sale.

The adjacent line meanwhile remains a busy freight and passenger route between Leeds and Morecambe/Carlisle, with more than 20 trains each way passing every weekday.