The station on opening in 1863, as part of the second phase of the Cheshire Midland Railway′s line from Altrincham to Northwich, was called Plumbley. The Cheshire Midland Railway formed part of the Cheshire Lines Committee in 1865. In 1945 the spelling was altered to its present name of Plumley.

The main Plumley station house building on the Chester bound platform was renovated in 1998 and is now the home of JPD Training Ltd - a nationwide training company.

Volunteers from the village take great pride in the station and have won two awards in the Cheshire Best Kept Station Competition.

The station is across the road from the Golden Pheasant pub and restaurant, which has a good reputation for the high quality cuisine and good cask ales.