Why Cornwall Feels Like Home

It’s funny how life leads you exactly where you’re supposed to be — even if you didn’t plan for it. When I moved from Greater Manchester down to Cornwall, I had no idea how much it would change me. It wasn’t just a change of scenery — it was like discovering a version of myself that had been waiting here.

This is my real take on what it’s like to go from city life to coast life, why Cornwall should be celebrated, and how my journey as a swimmer became the heart and soul behind Macke Swimwear.

1. Scenery.

I’ll always have love for Manchester—especially Saddleworth, Stockport and the town center where I grew up and trained. Greenfield to Victoria back when that line still ran. Or Spindles when town was too much of a mission! Grand Central weekend galas turned team socials. 
Manchester as a city... it's just a vibe that can't be replicated. Aflecks, NQ, Federal post-training coffee. Good times.

But when I moved to Cornwall, the scenery hit different. I’m talking sea views. Towering cliffs. Rolling waves. Sunsets that light the ocean on fire. It’s inspiring in a whole new way — quieter, more vast. There’s something about standing on a cliff top and watching the sea that brings you back to yourself.

2. The Culture Shift

Back in Manchester, life was non-stop. Hustle culture. Studying, swimming, club socials, nights out, events, hotels, buses, trains, Uber. There’s a buzz to it that I still love — and it’s made me tough, ambitious, and creative.

But down here? Cornish culture runs at a different rhythm. It’s slower. More grounded. I swapped out my Nikes for Birks. There’s less pressure to impress, and more space to just be. People are softer, in a way. Gentler with each other. More outdoorsy, more health-conscious. Running shoes replace vape pens. Cars aren’t about the badge — they’re about whether they’ll fit a surfboard or if you can sleep in the back after a night on the opposite coast.

And there’s a collective care for the ocean. We see the pollution here. We organise paddle-outs with Surfers Against Sewage, we turn up to protect our beaches. That community spirit? It’s real.

3. The Quiet

This might sound simple — but the quiet here is powerful. In the city, even the silence buzzes. But here in Cornwall, you can find real stillness. A quiet that gets under your skin in the best way.

I recently visited Nanjizal Beach with my partner and we had the whole place to ourselves. Just us, the sea, and the sound of waves echoing through the sea cave. Try finding that level of peace in a city.

4. Coffee

If you’re a coffee lover, prepare to be spoiled. Cornwall doesn’t mess about when it comes to hipster coffee shops. My faves?

The Workshop in Penryn — creative, earthy, vibey.
Situ – good design, great brews.
St Eia in St Ives – go for the flat white, stay for the ocean views.
Farm + Port in Porthcurno – tucked away, charmer. 

They’re small, independent, and full of character — just how I like it.

5. Festivals, Music & Community

Cornwall’s events scene might not be as packed as the city, but what we do have? Low-key, naturally beautiful settings, and a really welcoming feel.

Whether it's SkyBar events, Port Eliot, Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival, or the iconic Boardmasters, you always feel part of something. It’s music, food, sea air, and friends. Simple, and perfect.

6. Boat Life & Ocean living

Boats are kind of a thing here. Some people own them, some live on them, and a lot of us just jump on board whenever we can. Sailing the Helford River, or heading out to the Scillies on a calm day… it’s surreal.

There’s something deeply good-for-the-soul about being on a boat. You unplug, move with the wind, and see the coast from a totally different angle. Falmouth Week, Fowey Royal Regatta, Henri Lloyd Race Week — even if you're not racing, watching the sails from the shore is pretty special. Best spots to glimpse the action? Try Pendennis Point, St Mawes, or Castle Drive.

7. Work Doesn’t Feel Like Work

I love marketing. I’d market anything, anywhere — but doing it here in Cornwall? It just hits. The landscape is a content creator’s dream. Whether I’m shooting beach scenes, working on a brand story, or simply scouting locations, I’m surrounded by inspiration every single day.

That’s how Macke Swimwear came to be.

8. Water Sports

Being in the water has always been my second home. I’ve competed at the highest levels in swimming, surf lifesaving, prone paddleboarding. To now live somewhere where I can dive in every day? It's everything.

Lunch break surfs. Evening paddles. Beach BBQs. Ocean swims. Cliffside camping. Kayak picnics. I’ll never stop appreciating it.

And here's the thing — that connection to the water is what led me to create Macke Swimwear. After years of living in cossies as an athlete, I had a real understanding of what works, what doesn’t, and what we deserve when it comes to performance-meets-style swimwear. Visiting the Gold Coast last year was the final push. Their swimwear culture is iconic — I wanted to bring that flair back to the Cornish coast, with a bit more soul, authenticity, and UK practicality. A brand built by someone who lives in their swimwear, for people who love the ocean too.