The station was opened on 22 June 1839 by the Newcastle and North Shields Railway.

In the days of British Rail, the station was known as both Walkergate and Walker Gate.

[2] The station underwent modernisation work between September 2013 and July 2014, as part of the Metro: All Change programme.

This involved improvements to accessibility (including the installation of a passenger lift), aesthetic changes, and the introduction of new smart ticket machines and validators.

The station is equipped with ticket machines, sheltered waiting area, seating, next train information displays, timetable posters, and an emergency help point on both platforms.