The station had an island platform and was very close to the 300-yard (270 m) 20 arch Thornton viaduct which spans the Pinch Beck valley.

[3] The viaduct, closed off for many years, was reopened in 2008 as part of the Great Northern Walking Trail[4] after it had been safety checked and the former railway bed was sealed.

[5] The original goods platform and a large retaining wall are still visible and have been incorporated into the school's grounds design.

[6] The viaduct is a grade II listed building,[7] and is unusual in that it has an 'S' shape to accommodate the natural contours of the valley.

[8] The original 'Thornton' platform sign was a large concrete affair, some 16 feet (5 m) long.