The station, which is in the centre of Acton Bridge and only a mile from Weaverham,was opened in 1837 as Acton by the Grand Junction Railway before being renamed (along with the village) Acton Bridge in 1870 to distinguish it from Acton near Lymm, also in Cheshire. It is on the West Coast Main Line and popular with railway enthusiasts as a viewpoint.
After a period with very infrequent services, the train service has improved recently. There is a train every hour in the peaks (occasionally half hourly) and generally every two hours between the peaks. The previous four hour gaps in the service have mostly been eliminated following campaigning by MCRUA. Trains now call at the station on Sundays and Bank Holidays too. We hope use of the station will continue to rise as a result.
The station is unstaffed. A ticket machine is available in the booking hall. It is the northernmost station managed by London Northwestern Railway, who operate trains between Liverpool and Birmingham.
Acton Bridge is close to the River Weaver and the emerging Weaver Way, a new network of paths which stretch from Audlem to Frodsham. It is path that will take you to tranquil countryside, abundant wildlife, unique culture, rich heritage, and vibrant events.
The Weaver Way crosses the river at Dutton Lock and passes under the impressive railway viaduct. The fine stone 20 arch structure was designed by George Stephenson.
In nearby Dutton, Bluebell Cottage Gardens extend to 1.5 acres, wrapped around the cottage and extending up to the Trent & Mersey canal towpath. There are seven distinct areas, each interconnected with gravel or grass paths. The gardens are open to the public from the end of March to the end of September, Wednesday to Sunday.
Acton Bridge Station have won awards in the Cheshire Best Kept Station Competition.