The station opened on 10 August 1847 as the temporary terminus of the York and North Midland Railway line from Church Fenton; this was due to engineering works between Spofforth and Harrogate, which included the Prospect Tunnel and the Crimple Valley Viaduct, had not been finished at this date.

In the 1950s, general goods and livestock (including horses and prize cattle) were handled here, and the station offered the carriage of motor cars by train.

The station was located at the level crossing with today's A661 road at the southern end of the village.

[1] Between Spofforth and Wetherby York Road, close to the latter station, was the triangular junction with the Cross Gates–Wetherby line.

The station building, designed by George Townsend Andrews and similar to that of Ruswarp, stood on the up platform.