Instagram Moments are everywhere. Whether it’s a beautiful sunset or a classic “my dog ate…” scenario, this visual social platform allows even the mundane to become creative and artistic.
But in a world of frequent food photography and inspirational quote overload, unique Instagram Moments become the sunken treasure of social media.
Holiday snaps are not immune to the cheesy snap rule. Unless your cocktail glass is gold plated, then we’ve all seen a Pina colada thank you Judith, and we all know what sandy toes look like, now get a pedicure…
The question is this: how do you capture an Ingram Moment that’s distinctive enough to attract those likes?
In our view, the answer is simple: location. Yep, the location is key – a shot of your morning cup of tea on your sofa really isn’t inspiring. A flask tea, it’s sugary steam weaving through the post-sunrise air out of your tent with an immense beachy scene behind you, on the other hand, is the out-of-the-ordinary originality that Instagram users seek. After all, if we wanted to see hundreds of pictures of humdrum, everyday things, we could spend hours trawling trade magazines. What makes an Instagram Moment successful is that new place that we’ve not seen, that rare glimpse captured, that feeling portrayed.
We’re also sure that Britain’s only coastal national park offers plenty of unique opportunities that would be difficult to capture anywhere else. That’s right – St Davids and its surrounding peninsula offers up some of the UK’s best wildlife, award-winning beaches, top-class food and rugged coastline that draws in over 4 million people every year. It’s an aspiring Instagrammer’s dream.
Here are a few sneak peeks at what’s on offer in St Davids for your perfect Instagram Moments.
Instagram Moments: The Cathedral
Why it’s instaperfect: St Davids is officially and proudly Britain’s smallest city. This vibrant, historic, village-sized destination was afforded city status in the 16thcentury thanks to its fine 9thcentury cathedral. Plundered by Vikings and rebuilt by Normans, it was founded by St David, the patron saint of Wales.
Be sure to snap: John Nash’s restored west front; the tower with renovated cloisters; the 14th-century gatehouse and steps; the hauntingly picturesque ruin of the neighbouring Bishop’s Palace.
Follow accounts: @stdavidscathedral (if only for the selfies!)
Hashtags: #stdavidscathedral #stdavidscathedralfestival
Instagram Moments: Pembrokeshire Coastline
Why it’s instaperfect: The Pembrokeshire Coastline has everything: dog-friendly beaches, rugged coves with whispers of smugglers past, cliff-top forts and Celtic dolmens, the peaks of Garn Fawr and Carn Llidy presiding over Britain’s only coastal national park. St Davids Head offers sunsets, cloudscapes, surf shots and fishing ports. We challenge you notto get a stunning snap along this spectacular coastline!
Be sure to snap: the view of the entire peninsula from the top of Garn Fawr – it’s breath-taking! Also try to capture one of our friendly dolphins leaping while on a local boat trip.
Follow accounts: @pembscoast, @igerspembrokeshire, @perfectpembrokeshire, @pembrokeshiretourism
Hashtags: #pembrokeshirecoast #pembrokeshirebeaches #pembrokeshirenationalpark #stdavidshead
Instagram Moments: The Islands
Why it’s instaperfect: The dramatic coastal scenery of St Davids Head is further punctuated by a range of iconic islands that are visible from the shore. There are so many Instagram Moments to choose from here – get on a boat from St Justinians and head straight for Ramsey Island, or its southern sisters Skomer and Skokholm to spot Manx Shearwaters. Visit the monastery at Caldey Island or be accompanied by bottle-nosed dolphins while bobbing the 8 miles or so offshore to the mystical and lesser-known Grassholm.
Be sure to snap: Gannets on Grassholm; seals in September; spot the lights of Smalls Lighthouse and South Bishop lighthouse out to sea or look to the majestic Strumble Head lighthouse to the North. The notorious whirlpool waters around the reef rocks named The Bitches makes for a good Instagram story, too.
Follow accounts: @voyages_ramseyisland, @skomer_island, @st_davids_rnli
Hashtags: #ramseyisland #skomerpuffin #skokholmlighthouse #strumblehead
Instagram Moments: Pembrokeshire Food
Why it’s instaperfect: The key to non-irritating foodstagramming is being unique. And in this category, Pembrokeshire does not fail to impress – this is one of the few counties in the UK where you can eat fresh fish while overlooking the waters in which it was caught only hours earlier. From the relaxed, popular fish restaurant The Shed in the tiny fishing port of Porthgain to the stunning local lamb shanks served in St Davids Kitchen, the emphasis here is on fresh, local and totally scrumptious. Choose from several popular ice-cream vendors, or try Pembrokeshire’s very own version of a pasty, the Oggie, sold on the streets of St Davids. Snappable snacks that will have your instafollowers salivating!
Be sure to snap: the funky retro labels of Solva Gin or the beers of Bluestone Brewery; barbecued mackerel during Pembrokeshire Fish Festival in June; lavish cream teas at Blas restaurant in the renowned Twr y Felin hotel; filled Welshcakes with a modern twist at the delicious café Mamgu in Solva.
Follow accounts: @pembsfood, @beach_food
Hashtags: #stdavidsoggie #pembrokeshirefishweek #pembsfoodphotography
Instagram Moments: Horizons
Why it’s instaperfect: Bit of a generic category, we hear you wonder? You certainly won’t be wondering when you get here – everywhere you turn, you’ll know exactly what we mean.
The Preseli Hills, home of the bluestone used to build Stonehenge, are the majestic backdrop to many of Pembrokeshire’s horizons. From here, sweeping down past the green magic of ancient Ty Canol woods, begins the 186 miles of outstanding coastline that prompted National Geographic magazine to vote Pembrokeshire the second-best coastal destination in the world. From the bustling ports of Fishguard and Milford Haven to the unspoilt, rugged curve of St Brides Bay, your horizon views could include the salty stacks of the Green Bridge of Wales, or the many seal-filled sea cave, sunken shipwreck or several special areas of conservation. Pembrokeshire may well be as far west from the M4 as you can get, but as a result, it’s an untouched treasure trove for hikers, historians, nature lovers and instagrammers. This is the best that Wales has to offer, all in one county.
Be sure to snap: Ferries leaving Goodwick bound for Ireland; the 14 peaks of the Preseli Hills from its principal, 1,759-foot peak at Foel Cwmcerwyn; the sweeping coastline framing the historic Chapel of St Non, mother of the patron saint at St Davids.
Follow accounts: @pembrokeshireskies, @visitpembrokeshire, @pembrokeshireviews
Hashtags: #pembrokeshirescenery #sirbenfro
Don’t just take our word for it – why not follow our Instagram account to see our favourite moments? Come and see (and snap) it for yourselves, and don’t forget to share your best Instagram Moments in St Davids with us at @stdavidsescapes.
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