The initial station in Rowsley was opened in 1849 and formed a terminus for the Manchester, Buxton, Matlock and Midlands Junction Railway line from Ambergate.

Rowsley South is now the main centre for the activities of preservation and heritage group Peak Rail and its various affiliated societies.

Part of the Goods Yard has been restored as sidings for locomotives and coaching stock, a number of which lead to the sheds that are operated by other societies.

Other tracks from the sidings lead to Peak Rail's locomotive shed, which is under construction, and also to a turntable (previously located at Mold Junction) which returned to full working order on 1 May 2010, being opened in a special ceremony by Pete Waterman.

Access to the station's facilities and to the yard is also without charge, though this only applies on operating days (on other occasions, the site is closed to the public).