Built to the standard island platform pattern of country stations on the line, it originally opened on 15 March 1899 and has been restored to late Edwardian era condition, circa 1910.

Climbing south from milepost 97, the formation of the Mountsorrel quarry branch joins the line from the east, crossing over the quadruple spanned bridge 352 to reach Swithland Sidings.

The station's goods yard now forms the car park, at one end of which is a miniature railway, family picnic area, and historic stores room.

Overseeing railway traffic movements in the area is Rothley Cabin, a signal box recovered from Blind Lane Junction in Wembley and erected facing the station on the west side of the line.

[2] This signal box controls entry and exit to the southern end of the Great Central Railway's unique double track.