Content Warning: This novel features outdated and offensive language concerning people with disabilities. Additionally, the source material uses racist language that is reproduced in this guide only through direct quotes of the source material.

Thomas Parker and his wife, Mary, are traveling through the countryside when their carriage overturns on a steep hillside. Although no one is hurt in the accident, Mr. Parker sprains his ankle as he exits the carriage. He receives help from Mr. Heywood, who lives in a nearby cottage and offers to repair the carriage. Mr. Parker wants to call a surgeon for his sprained ankle, but Mr. Heywood eventually convinces him that no doctor lives in the town.

Mr. Heywood invites the Parkers to stay at his home until Mr. Parker’s ankle heals. Mr. Parker explains that he is a businessman looking to build up the seaside village of Sanditon into a resort town for wealthy families. Mr. Parker goes on at length about how he misses the sea air by their home in Sanditon, which he believes would help heal his ankle. Mr. Heywood believes that beach resorts are a passing trend. He dislikes places like Sanditon, as they raise the price of provisions in the area and do not allow proper work for the poor.