On 17 July 1862 the company was authorised to build a line from Coleford Junction near Crediton, to Okehampton.

Before construction began the line was leased to the LSWR and an extension authorised to Lidford.

Renamed as the Devon and Cornwall Railway and construction began in 1864 and the line to Lidford was opened on 12 October 1874.

It was used by several Dartmoor mining industries and also the Rattlebrook Peatworks which closed in 1921; it was an ordnance depot during the Second World War.

Since closure the disused railway station has been converted to a private dwelling.