The station is located 14 miles 37 chains (23.3 km) north of London Kings Cross on the East Coast Main Line, on the stretch between Finsbury Park and Hatfield.

[4] During World War II, the station played a small part in the signing of the Anglo-Soviet Treaty.

On 21 May 1942, LNER Class A4 locomotive number 4495 Golden Fleece brought Soviet foreign minister Vyacheslav Molotov to the station, where he was met by his British counterpart Anthony Eden.

[5] The station is only staffed part-time, with the ticket office being open 06:50–10:00, Monday to Friday.

A station car park with 69 spaces parallels the island platforms to the east.