For those astute at utilising their annual leave allowance, the August Bank holiday is a prime opportunity to get away and maximise your free time. While we're big fans of exploring the UK during the summer (and it has been a cracker thus far), this coming weekend poses a few problems, namely bonkers traffic, fully booked hotels and restaurants, and just general mayhem, further fuelled by an entire generation of 16-year-olds celebrating or commiserating GCSE results. The other option is to head over to Europe, but that also comes with caveats - like the fact that the entire bloc is Out of Office and at the beach. So we asked the people at Secret Trips magazine to highlight a handful of long-weekend spots on the continent that have buckets of style only without the crowds...
Oslo, Norway
Oslo, Norway’s vibrant capital, blends natural beauty with cutting-edge design thanks to its serene fjord setting and innovative architecture, like the glacier-inspired Oslo Opera House, where you can stroll the sloping roof for stunning harbour views. The city’s cultural scene thrives with the Munch Museum showcasing Edvard Munch’s iconic works, while the Astrup Fearnley Museum offers contemporary art in a Renzo Piano-designed space. For a stylish retreat, we recommend exploring Aker Brygge, a waterfront hub with chic boutiques and eateries serving Nordic cuisine, while Grünerløkka’s hip bars and vintage shops add a bohemian angle to your trip. Oslo’s compact size means you can wander effortlessly, with the Oslo Pass granting access to museums and transport. If you're a budding gourmand, then you must read chef David Taylor's guide to the city's best eateries here, or read our guide to Oslo here.
What To Wear
With average highs of 21 degrees Celsius and lows of 11, packing for a weekend in Oslo requires lightweight layers such as tees, shirts, and a cropped jacket, plus a piece of waterproof outerwear just in case the weather closes in. Getting around the city by bike is the best mode of transport so keep your footwear options fairly robust and versatile.
Famed for its running of the bulls, Pamplona offers far more than festival thrills, This northern Spanish town nestled in Navarra’s rolling hills has a rich history which has developed into an incredible food scene. Strolling the city’s medieval old town, with its cobbled streets and Gothic architecture, always seems to lead to the Plaza del Castillo, a lively square lined with tapas bars offering 'pintxos' - bite-sized Basque delicacies - paired perfectly with local Rioja wines. 
Le Marche is Italy’s best-kept secret, delivering an authentic Italian experience but without the masses that crowd out the south and the islands. Stretching from the Apennine Mountains to the Adriatic coast, Le Marche boasts medieval villages like Ascoli Piceno, known as the City of One Hundred Towers, where you can savour Olive all’ascolana, a DOP-protected stuffed olive dish. Le Marche is best explored by car in order to uncover hidden gems like Offida, famed for Tombolo lace and Pecorino wines. The region’s rolling hills and vineyards, especially in Macerata, offer breath-taking views and culinary delights like Vincisgrassi, a rich layered pasta. With Ancona’s airport or Bologna’s train connections, access is easy yet keeps the region under-the-radar. 
