The first Workington station on the Cumbrian Coast Line was built in the area known as Priestgate Marsh, for the Whitehaven Junction Railway (WJR).

The booking office clerk, having seen the train approaching, ensured there were no deaths; the Cumberland Pacquet reported that "the station is, of course, a perfect wreck"[4] and had to be rebuilt.

Immediately after the accident, the gas supply to the station was turned off at the meter, but it was noted that three gas lights continued to burn; the town trustees, who owned the town gasworks, declined to restore the supply until the WJR gave a satisfactory explanation or adequate compensation.

[5] The London & North Western Railway took over the Whitehaven Junction and Workington & Cockermouth lines in 1866 and replaced the WJR station.

Trains from the Cockermouth and Keswick direction ended with the closure of that branch to all traffic in April 1966; the line having fallen victim to the Beeching Axe.

In British Railways days, the engine shed was rebuilt with a new roof and ferro-concrete coaling stage and an ash disposal plant was built near to the new turntable.

Immediately adjacent to the southbound platform are two carriage sidings, used for stabling and servicing empty diesel multiple unit sets overnight and at weekends.

Step-free access is available to both platforms via ramps and a foot level crossing, though this is only open when station staff are present.