The branch was just over four miles (6 km) long and connected Spilsby to the Kings Cross London to Cleethorpes main line.

The necessary parliamentary permission had been obtained by an Act in July 1865 which incorporated the Spilsby & Firsby Railway Company with an authorised capital of £20,000 and loans of £8,333 for the construction of the four-mile (6 km) long, single-track branch.

The ceremonial cutting of the first turf was performed by a local rector, The Reverend Rawnsley, who was standing in for the railway company's chairman Lord Willoughby de Eresby the 25th Baron.

The Railway was expected to be opened quickly but disputes with the contractors arose over the quality of their work, and several lengths of track had to be replaced.

Goods including petrol, paraffin and coal continued to come into Spilsby via the rail link up to its final closure on 30 November 1958.