The station, about a mile (1.6 km) to the west of Heacham village, was intended to tap a thriving holiday market in the 19th century.

A favourite resort of Queen Alexandra in the earlier 20th century, the village later attracted large numbers of caravans and chalets to its shingly foreshore.

[5] More substantial changes were made by the successor London and North Eastern Railway in 1937, as Heacham had become a significant holiday destination and the passing loop needed to accommodate 13-coach trains.

[6] In 1960–1961, the station offered a camping coach converted from a Pullman car, fitted with a full kitchen, two sleeping compartments and a room with two single beds.

[7][8] A post-war boom on the King's Lynn to Hunstanton line had no impact on the West Norfolk Junction Railway, whose inconveniently sited stations contributed to a decline in passenger traffic.