The station was opened for goods (1 Nov 1879) [1] & passengers (2 February 1880) [1] by the Midland Railway.

The station was designed by the Midland Railway company architect John Holloway Sanders.

This was used initially for the Advanced Passenger Train project and, more recently, Class 390 Pendolino units.

The main station building was converted into a pub and restaurant c1966 before the line closed.

Following closure of the business, Network Rail purchased the building and surrounding land in order to secure access to the test track infrastructure.