The idiosyncrasies and misfortunes of the lives of the townspeople of Cranford are played out. With the arrival of new residents the women are sparkling with anticipation. Centring on Matty Jenkyns and her older, stricter sister Deborah, we share in their excitement as a new house guest and neighbours arrive. When Jem, the local carpenter, falls from a tree, all eyes are on the new doctor and his untested modern methods.

The past returns to haunt the present, a visitor brings joy and hope to Jessie Brown, Mr Carter oversees preparations for Lady Ludlow's garden party, and Miss Matty is very shaken when she unexpectedly meets someone from her past. Meanwhile, Caroline Tomkinson is determined to attract the attention of Dr Harrison, but she could have competition from young beauty Sophy Hutton.

A theft from the Doctor's house and an attack on Mr Johnson spread panic and the fear of an imminent crime wave. Suspicion and mistrust ripple through Cranford and Miss Pole resorts to desperate measures to safeguard her treasures! To save his father, Harry is forced to make a formidable decision, thereby putting himself in danger.

A maze of misunderstandings leads the ladies of Cranford astray as May Day fills hearts with hopes of love. Mrs Forrester and Miss Pole hatch a plan after the young doctor makes a puzzling purchase, whilst Miss Tompkinson's ambiguous conversation with him sets in motion a disastrous train of events. Will the innocent doctor be able to survive the turmoil and secure the affections of the one he loves?

Dr Harrison finds both his career and reputation ruined and his courtship destroyed, while Miss Matty receives devastating news, but the ladies of Cranford rally to help. Meanwhile, Miss Galindo and Mr Carter are forced to face up to the true tragedy of Hanbury, but Miss Galindo might not be able to help Mr Carter carry out his wishes.

Miss Matty is delighted to see the return of her dear friend Mr Buxton and his son William; the surprise arrival of Lady Ludow's son Septimus leads to a chain of unexpected events.