It was on the single track branch line of the Wivenhoe and Brightlingsea Railway which opened in 1866 and closed in 1964.

The station building was located on the southern side of Lower Park Road where the town's community centre now sits.

[3] The line was temporarily closed on 1 February 1953 following severe flood damage but was not reopened until 7 December that year.

This was supposedly prompted by the high costs of maintaining the railway swing bridge over Alresford Creek, which was necessary to allow boat traffic to the many sand and gravel pits in the area.

This makes for a pleasant, scenic walk alongside the River Colne with its ecologically interesting salt marsh environment.