A chance accident brings Charlotte Heywood to Sanditon, a seaside resort on the cusp of dramatic change.

Charlotte and Sidney clash again, only for Charlotte to be left confused by a chance encounter. Tensions surround Miss Lambe's arrival in Sanditon.

Charlotte sets out to avoid Sidney, until a serious accident forces them together and to reappraise each other.

The arrival of Miss Lambe's forbidden love causes Charlotte to question her opinion of Sidney. Meanwhile, Clara witnesses a moment between Esther and Sir Edward.

Charlotte arrives in London to find the abducted Miss Lambe. Lady Denham falls gravely ill. Charlotte begins to see Sydney in a new light, and vice versa.

On the night of the Midsummer Ball, romantic interests are finally resolved. However, the fate of Sanditon is in the balance when events conspire to leave Charlotte and the Parker family facing down impossible choices.