[1] The station was opened on 4 September 1893,[2] when the line was extended from Goudhurst to Hawkhurst.

[3][4] The station was equipped with a single 300 ft (91 m) platform on the down side, together with a goods only loop.

When the line was originally being constructed, local landowners had demanded high prices for the sale of their agricultural land and the South Eastern Railway had refused, amending the route of the line so that Cranbrook Station was actually located in Hartley.

The villagers came to regret being excluded from the line, and an attempt was made to have a light railway constructed to Hartley.

This has now closed and it is reported that the station building is in poor condition, although the stationmaster's house is well preserved.