Opened with other stations on the branch line to Wirksworth on 1 October 1867, it was designed by the Midland Railway company architect John Holloway Sanders.

[1] Shottle remained open until 16 June 1947, when the Wirksworth branch passenger service was withdrawn on a temporary basis in response to post-war fuel shortages.

Principal traffic on this section comprises road/rail plant that uses the line as part of a formal acceptance procedure for the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB).

During the 2012 season, a passing loop was constructed at Shottle allowing train services to continue while the platform was being rebuilt; the pointwork at the southern end having slewed into a Y-shape over the winter months.

Timetables vary during the year, with more services at weekends and school holidays; patterns include yellow, purple and green days.