In 2020 we brought you ‘10 Things You Should Know Before Marrying A Cornish Person’, the ultimate behind the scenes guide to living and loving Cornish style, including the surprises that’ll blindside you and the existence-enhancing perks that will transform your life for the better. With a landscape and lifestyle as stunning as we enjoy here in Cornwall, it’s no surprise that so many people are drawn down here to live, work – and love!

A few itsy bitsy teenie weenie global events have happened since 2020 😅 and as a society we’ve seen a shift in priorities towards wellness and work/life balance, and an evolution in what we aspire to in life and in love. So, with Valentine’s Day coming up, here’s a shout out to all the ‘Gavin and Stacey’ style romances out there – and our Revisited: Top 10 things you should know before marrying a Cornish person. There’s a lot to delve into, so grab a cuppa and settle in for this one, don’t say we didn’t warn you!

1. We’re half human, half fish, and love spending time in the sea ALL year round. Think Daryl Hannah in Splash crossed with Aquaman and you’re getting close to how the average Cornish person feels about the ocean. Before the rest of the country discovered ‘wild’ swimming we Cornish just called it swimming, and yes, we do it on the reg. Say goodbye to your Sunday morning lie-ins; instead you’ll find yourself teeth chattering and nose running, jumping off the harbour wall at dawn in nothing but your speedos. It’s squeal inducing, shockingly life affirming and will take your breath away. Now that sounds romantic!

2. You’ll start sounding like us. Whether you start sprinkling your sentences with dialect and slang words and phrases like ‘dreckly’, ‘ansum’ and ‘gisson’, or you actually start learning the Cornish language Kernewek, you’ll find you definitely expand your vocabulary after any time with your ‘keresigyon’ (sweetheart)!

3. We don’t sweat the small stuff. Come to that, most of us don’t sweat the big stuff either – we’re all made of stern stuff down here. We especially don’t do pointless drama – life’s too short to waste! Important disclaimer though – we’re not saying that forgetting your better half’s ‘penn-bloodh’ (birthday) won’t leave them ‘teasy as an adder’ (irritable or cross)!

4. You’ll never feel the need to fly long haul again. You’ll be living in the UK’s number one holiday destination, surrounded by world class beaches, incredible marine life and consistent, pumping, year round swell. Everyday here is a holiday, and to prove it, 92% of the shops in Cornwall sell either postcards, ice cream or beach towels. FACT*! Our Cornish cup overfloweth with adventure and holiday vibes, so rip up that passport and toss it, you’ll have no reason to leave Kernow anytime soon.

5. We have EXTREMELY strong opinions on our favourite pasties and beverages. It might sound trivial to the newly arrived down here, but it’s no laughing matter for people who have grown up in Cornwall: everyone down here has a preferred pasty shop and a favourite Cornish beer, ale – or, in recent times, wine and gin! Prepare to go on delicious culinary adventures with your Cornish ‘keresik’ (darling)!

6. We’re not unkempt, we prefer the term Cornish CASUAL. Regardless of where you hail from, or what you do for work, once you’ve been initiated into the salty tribe of barefoot, beanie wearing beach goers, it’ll change your wardrobe and your hair care routine forever. Cornwall is the one county where it’s frowned upon to own, or heaven forbid USE, an iron on your clothes or your hair – so just don’t do it. We like things crinkly and curly here. Also, please be aware that by falling in love with a Cornish person your chances of getting married in flip flops have statistically increased by 68%**.

7. We know how to make the most of life and LOVE a good time. That does depend on what we like doing – it might be a long walk on the South West Coast Path in a howling gale, a weekend camping with your besties, a hot ticket to one of Cornwall’s many festivals, or a deliciously long session in your local, chewing the fat over a pint with friends, as a stunning sunset paints the sky a million shades of ooohhh. Whatever it is, we definitely know how to enjoy ourselves – and can’t wait to bring you along for the ride!

8. We tend to love the great outdoors, and don’t get bored of our favourite place. All of us down here have places that are near and dear to our hearts, and seeing them in all weathers, seasons and stages of the tide, is part of enjoying them to the max. Our favourite spots are Crantock and West Pentire, glorious on a summer’s day and equally spellbinding for a spot of panoramic storm watching. We’re sure you’ll learn to love your other half’s favourite place – and find one of your own to share with your ‘keresigyon’ (sweetheart!)

9. We have a quirky sense of humour. It’s renowned for being pretty dry, a bit bawdy, and also slightly leftfield – and there’s a crop of Cornish comedians too, think Kernow King, Steve Heller, and musical comedians Hedluv and Passman. It might seem a weird one, but once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ve got it. You might even find yourself at the butt of the joke occasionally… but don’t worry, it means they love you!

10. Surfing is part of a new roadmap for living. If life has taught us anything, it is to seek out mindful moments, immerse ourselves in nature, and have fun whenever we can. Surfing is no longer just a popular Cornish pastime, it is doctor’s orders and up on a pedestal with your 5 a day for maintaining your health and vitality. If your Cornish lover is a surfer, bodyboarder, bellyboarder, paddleboarder or swimmer, then join them, and get in on the salt water action. If they’re not… then check their Cornish credentials, it could be that they are actually from Devon!

P.S. Probably the most important thing to remember when living and loving Cornish style, is that it’s jam first. If you know, you know.

So there you have it – our top 10 things you’ve got ahead of you, and must embrace if you’re set on going full Cornish with your karer or karores (that’s the person who gives you all the feels).

Huge thanks to Jennifer, Amy and Matt/ Abbie for the couple photos! #LetsSeaYourSnaps

* This is made up and categorically not a fact.
** This is another work of fiction.