The station opened on 3 December 1883,[1] and was able to handle goods, parcels, livestock and horseboxes.

[2] The goods yard had a north facing connection, so that the coal drop was on the up (south side) of the line.

[3][4] Kettleness station goods yard forwarded loads of iron ore from nearby workings.

[7] Hoole states that in 1911, the population of the nearby hamlet was 54, yet 6,574 tickets were issued, amounting to nearly 122 trains journeys for each resident.

[14] The station building is now known as 'Seeonee Lair' and is run as an activity centre by East Cleveland Scout District.

[16] The July timetable of 1922 shows eight services, including two out and back workings from Whitby to Hinderwell.