Hayes Knoll station was built in 1999[1] as part of the work to reopen the section of the former Midland and South Western Junction Railway line between Swindon and Cricklade, the entire route having been closed in 1961.

It is just east of Hayes Knoll hamlet in Purton parish, about 1,000 yards (900 m) north of the rebuilt Blunsdon station and 4.5 miles (7 km) north-west of the centre of Swindon.

The station has one platform, an engineering workshop and locomotive shed, at a place where the original railway trackbed includes an additional piece of land in railway ownership.

It thus provides an initial destination for trains from Blunsdon, and engineering facilities required to operate the railway.

The second road is primarily for the use of steam locomotives and has two inspection pits (one indoors, one outdoors), a watering column and areas to drop ash, store tools and keep wood.