It is 98 miles 44 chains (158.6 km) down the line from London Waterloo station.

The station opened in 1888 as part of the Brockenhurst to Christchurch Branch Railway.

Barton, a short distance away, was also suggested but was decided against for the same reason.

The station is equipped with toilets, a waiting room, bicycle lockers, electronic passenger information screens, a ticket office as well as ticket machines, and has a large pay-and-display car park with 73 spaces for commuters.

All passenger services calling at this station are operated by South Western Railway.