When a coach accident introduces Charlotte to the Parker family, she quickly seizes the opportunity to throw herself into the adventure she has craved all her life by returning with them to the developing seaside resort of Sanditon. Charlotte, however, soon discovers that the inhabitants of the town behave in curious and unpredictable ways that she could never have imagined.
Charlotte returns to Sanditon in unexpected circumstances. A company of Army Officers descend on the town, offering romantic opportunities for Charlotte and her sister and business opportunities for Tom. Meanwhile, Georgiana meets an intriguing artist and Esther Babington has an unwanted encounter with someone from her past.
Charlotte starts her new job as a Governess for the mysterious Alexander Colbourne. Alison is determined to be reunited with her knight in shining armor, and Georgiana finds out some bad news from Antigua. Meanwhile, Lady Denham receives an unexpected and unwanted surprise and Tom and Colonel Lennox make plans for Sanditon’s development.