It was opened in 1871, closed in 1978 for conversion to become part of the Tyne and Wear Metro, and joined that network in 1980.

Nor should it be confused with Forest Hall station on the East Coast Main Line, which opened in 1856, closed in 1958, and was known as Benton until 1874.

On the same date, the short-lived Forest Hall station, situated on the Blyth and Tyne some 0.5 miles (0.80 km) to the east, also closed.

[2][3] The station was closed on 23 January 1978 to enable the conversion of the line to become part of the Tyne and Wear Metro.

[8] The station is equipped with ticket machines, waiting shelter, seating, next train information displays, timetable posters, and an emergency help point on both platforms.