The York & North Midland line between York and Scarborough passed through the Castle Howard estate near the village of Welburn, south west of Malton. The railway's architect, G.T. Andrews, who has left his mark on stations all over eastern Yorkshire, created a distinctly characterful little station to serve 'the big house'. It was completed in 1845.

The front which is at right angles to the railway, has in the centre of the facade a large two storey arched portico, while overlooking the platform is a monumental arched balcony with massive round-headed window space and balustrade, supported by four thick ogee brackets. The chimney stacks are large and square. The rest of the station is single storey with round-headed windows. It was used by Queen Victoria on her way to open Newcastle Central Station and the Royal Border Bridge in 1850.

The Station was central to the construction of key features of castle Howard. The Atlas Fountain, carved by the sculptor John Thomas, was installed at the same time as Nesfield's parterre in the early 1850s. The five figures are carved from Portland stone and, after being exhibited at the Great Exhibition, were transported to Castle Howard railway station by steam train. At the same time the South Lake was re-fashioned by Nesfield prior to the installation of a second fountain, known as the Prince of Wales Fountain. Both fountains were turned on for the first time in October 1853.

The road from the station went directly to Castle Howard itself and was used exclusively by the aristocracy until it was decommissioned and became a public road in the early 1900's. In use now as a vetenary practice, the building must have comprised a comfortable level of accommodation for the resident station master. The VIP waiting room was in the first floor room with the balcony overlooking the track. The ticket office and other waiting area are now used as the practice rooms. The Station's garden was always an important feature when it was in use, extending originally to both sides of the track and around the station buildings.

The station closed in 1930. It is a Grade II Listed Building