Elon Musk’s transgender daughter slipped into a silky gown as she took to the catwalk at Milan Fashion Week.
Vivian Wilson, 21, who has been estranged from the Tesla founder since 2020, wore a white Gucci one-sleeved dress that boasted a high neck and side split.
The look, designed by the Italian fashion house’s new artistic director, Demna, was finished with a pair of glittering pointed-toe heels and a sparkly silver clutch bag.
Wilson wore her long blonde tresses straight with one side swept behind her shoulder.
She posed up a storm as she made her way down the runway, crossing paths with fashion royalty such as Kate Moss and Emily Ratajkowski.
Just moments after her appearance, Wilson celebrated the achievement on social media.
‘I just walked for Gucci lmfao,’ she wrote on her Instagram story in text that overlaid a makeup-free selfie.
But it is not the first time that Wilson has been in the style spotlight.
Elon Musk’s transgender daughter Vivian Wilson slipped into a silky gown as she took to the catwalk at Milan Fashion Week
The 21-year-old, who has been estranged from the Tesla founder since 2020, wore a white Gucci one-sleeved dress that boasted a high neck and side split
She appeared on the cover of Teen Vogue in March last year and, two months later, officially made her modeling debut while collaborating with the brand Wildfang.
That same month in May, she additionally modeled pieces for the underwear brand Tomboyx.
‘I was terrified,’ Wilson said of the latter shoot during an interview with Vanity Fair. ‘Before this, I was very much the person who didn’t show any skin, ever, at all.
‘Even in my day-to-day, like going to the beach with friends, I would not wear a swimsuit.’
The star added, ‘So it was very, very nerve-racking, but I wanted to do [the shoot] because I wanted to have more confidence in my own body.
‘I do feel confident in my own body, but I wanted to prove that confidence to myself, if that makes any sense.’
In September last year, Wilson made her runway debut at New York Fashion Week, strutting for CHRISHABANA’s Spring 2026 show.
When it comes to being more in the spotlight, Wilson admitted to The Cut last year, ‘I’m not very good at being famous. It’s a skill.
Wilson appeared on the cover of Teen Vogue last year in March, and two months later, she officially made her modeling debut while collaborating with the brand Wildfang
Wilson briefly opened up about the relationship she has with the tech mogul while talking to Teen Vogue
‘I fought so hard for so long to be viewed as a regular person. There was a moment literally right before I became famous where no one knew who I was. It was amazing.’
The star added, ‘Everyone treated me as a regular person. I kind of miss that. But I also like being famous.’
Wilson is the eldest daughter of Musk and his ex-wife, Justine.
At the age of 16, she came out as trans and two years later filed to have Musk dropped from her last name amid her estrangement with her father.
Wilson briefly opened up about the relationship she has with the tech mogul while talking to Teen Vogue.
‘I don’t give a f*** about him. I really don’t. It’s annoying that people associate me with him. I just don’t have any room to care anymore.’
Wilson is active on social media and currently boasts one million Instagram followers. She often posts insights into her modeling career and takes fans along to events she has attended.
Don’t miss these London deals (Credits: Getty Images)
Looking for 10 things to do in London? Luckily, there’s lots to do in this city for cheap in 2025! At least… there is now.
Metro has teamed up with Time Out to bring you the best deals across the capital.
Every Friday, 10 new deals will drop, available in the Metro newspaper, on Metro, and on our socials. You’ll also find them in our weekly London newsletter, The Slice, in your inbox every Wednesday.
The Art Yard Bar & Kitchen is offering an unheard of 35% off a three course meal and bubbles. Escape the hustle and bustle of the Southbank and indulge in luxury, minus the price tag, at this hidden gem.
Or, for a more relaxed vibe, head to Tapas Fiesta at Slat Yard Goodge Street, and save £50. Spanish-Italian fusion is guaranteed to leave your mouth watering.
If it’s pure relaxation you’re craving, head to the The Spa at Athenaeum Hotel. 5-star luxury, minus the hefty price tag, as right now you’ll get 40% off.
Welcome to the Slice
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It’s all here and more in these 10 incredible offers, discounts and deals.
Things to do in London this week
Four-course menu with a glass of bubbles & snack at Straits Kitchen for £39.50
Straits Kitchen at Pan Pacific London offers their signature fusion menu featuring bold, vibrant and fresh flavours, and you’re invited. This is refined hotel dining with bold Southeast Asian flavours and British ingredients at its heart, courtesy of Executive Chef Adam Bateman and his award-winning team. Expect a lineup of dishes that blend Western techniques with big, punchy flavours, all served in a setting as elegant as the food itself. Save 33% on a four-course menu with a glass of bubbles & snack now.
Enjoy a set menu & complimentary cocktail at Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill from £20
Experience fine dining at its best with an exclusive set menu and a complimentary signature cocktail at Gordon Ramsay’s Bar & Grill in Mayfair. Choose from expertly crafted dishes including cauliflower velouté, chicken supreme, and Basque cheesecake. Opt for the two-course option at £20 or go all-in with three courses for just £25, both served with a signature cocktail, worth up to £16.50.
35% off three courses and bubbles at Art Yard Bar & Kitchen, Bankside Hotel
Art Yard Bar & Kitchen brings a bright splash of creativity to Bankside, buzzing with colour, murals and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to hang around. Led by Chef Adam Takac, the kitchen takes seasonality beyond the plate, treating every colour, texture and flavour as a canvas for the senses. The bar keeps things lively with cocktails inspired by the neighbourhood’s stories, alongside clever zero-proof mixes and a tidy wine list. Just next door, the Makers Studio adds an extra spark, with resident artists creating work on site and occasionally inspiring special dishes and drinks of their own.
Three sharing courses and a cocktail at Gouqi by Tong Chee Hwee for £35
Chef Tong returns to London’s dining scene at Gouqi, bringing his acclaimed expertise from Singapore, Malaysia, and Hakkasan. Enjoy top-tier dining for just £35 per person (down from £45) , featuring a Supreme royal dim sum platter, Taiwanese three-cup chicken pot, or Claypot silken egg tofu with seasonal vegetables and steamed jasmine rice. Experience elevated Chinese cuisine that delights!
Get 25% off bowling, pizza and drink at the world’s best bowling alley*
Experience bowling like never before at Vintners Lanes, Greenwich’s newest boutique hotspot, where industrial-chic design meets vintage charm. Recently crowned Best in the World at the 40th Annual Bowling Centre Architecture and Design Awards, this six-lane stunner serves up more than just strikes. With this exclusive offer, score 25% off a game of bowling, a fresh pizza, and your choice of pint, glass of wine, spirit and mixer or soft drink. Just fancy the lanes? You can grab a bowling session on its own from just £8.95 — the perfect reason to gather your mates and bowl the night away.
60% off the ultimate BYOB pasta making class at Ann’s Smart School of Cookery
If your idea of pasta-making is tearing open a packet, it might be time to level up. Ann’s Smart School of Cookery has been running for nearly two decades, teaching thousands of Londoners (and beyond) how to turn out restaurant-worthy dishes in a laid-back, hands-on setting. For this class, you’ll be guided by professional chefs through an Italian-inspired menu: fluffy focaccia with balsamic dip, fresh spinach and ricotta cannelloni in a proper tomato sauce, and a creamy asparagus risotto with rocket. You’ll cook, taste and pick up kitchen tips you’ll actually use back home. Whether you fancy showing off to mates at your next dinner party or just want to sharpen your skills, this is a delicious way to spend an autumn afternoon.
Save over £50 on a Tapas Fiesta menu to share at Salt Yard Goodge Street
Goodge Street Savour Spanish-Italian fusion with a mouthwatering small-plate feast at Salt Yard for just £30 per person (was £81). Enjoy dishes like padron peppers, poached chorizo picante, and truffle arancino, all crafted by Head Chef Panajot Prifti, plus cinnamon-dipped churros to finish. Don’t miss this unbeatable dining experience!
Save up to £151 on this Turkish Hammam spa experience
Get soft, glowing skin this winter with a luxe spa day at Crystal Palace Spa in Marylebone. Enjoy full-body exfoliation, a soak massage, and a choice of clay, mud, or coffee body mask, all for a fraction of the price – £48 for one person, £89 for two. Relax for 90 minutes and even bring a friend for the ultimate unwind!
Unwind with a five-star luxury experience for two at The Spa at Athenaeum Hotel
Do you feel that? It’s the feeling of a long-awaited self-care day on the horizon! Invite a friend or partner to escape the hustle and bustle of central London and share a five-star luxury experience at Mayfair’s Athenaeum Hotel Spa. Spend a relaxing hour in the wet area, sauna, steam rooms and hot tub, then take your pick from a facial and body wrap treatment or massage. All this with a glass of bubbly for 40% off – you’ll find it hard to say no.
Get the ultimate BYOB pottery experience from just £23 at Token Studio
Unleash your creativity at Token Studio with a fun 90-minute session! Try your hand at the potter’s wheel, create miniature pottery, or learn hand-building techniques. Prefer design? Opt for pottery painting and customize a mug, plate, or bowl. Plus, bring your favourite drinks to enjoy while you craft!
Mercury Retrograde has become a bit of a villain in the astrology game — the time when travel plans go awry, technology gremlins come out to play and communications go haywire.
We’re shortly entering into another one, starting February 26 and lasting until March 20, with an influence stretching up to April 9 (the shadow retrograde, but that’s another story).
Mercury isn’t actually going backwards, as implied by the word ‘retrograde’ — that’s an optical illusion caused by the way Mercury and Earth orbit the sun.
What does happen astrologically is that Mercury, the planetary ruler of communication, technology and short journeys, appears to slow down and reverse. And this is what is deemed to send all those areas into a spin.
Pisces is helping us through
February’s retrograde lands entirely in Pisces, a mutable Water sign ruled by intuition, emotion and imagination.
This somehow mutes Mercury’s sharp edges and makes this transit more of a peaceful, creative, dare I say pleasant event,allowing you to step back from being busy and get a mental and emotional reset — especially around how you express yourself and understand others.
Pisces is the wise old soul of the zodiac, and when it holds a retrograde it softens it and turns the focus inwards, rather than onto the outside world.
Our inner world gets a spotlight: dreams, creative ideas, unresolved conversations and long-held assumptions rise to the surface. The conversation we really need right now is with ourselves.
Who will feel it most?
Although everyone experiences Mercury Retrograde, some signs might get stimulated in the following particular ways.
Water signs (Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio) may experience heightened sensitivity, which leads them towards a key insight or awareness of a personal shift, outlook, or value they weren’t aware of before.
Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius) will be busily and productively revisiting half-baked ideas, projects and items on their to-do lists that need completion and redrafting.
Signs with Pisces placements or angles (anyone with planets around mid-degrees in Pisces) will also feel this more strongly.
Never fear a Mercury Retrograde again
Despite the noise, Mercury Retrograde isn’t inherently bad. In fact, there are several major upsides:
It’s an excuse and invitation to step back from being busy and answering many demands, or starting new projects or goals. Review all that is already on the go and use this pause to re-establish priority order and key steps.
A quirk of the retrograde is enabling anyone closely working with communications to do edits and re-drafts on their material that will really work. Mercury rules writing, so its retrograde is a great time to go back and refine raw prose or drafts.
This often stirs up unresolved issues and unfinished business, giving you a chance to resolve, close, or restore what has been adrift.
This time round, the retrograde is in dreamy Pisces (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
This means these are the kind of activities you should prioritise for the coming three weeks until the planet is back direct:
Retreats, breaks, staycations, quiet restful phases away from deadlines and pressure.
Revisiting unfinished business and/or conversations. Scroll back through your phone for threads that stopped dead, run through your memory for group decisions still not made, ask your partner or closest ally what you need to finish off and resolve.
Pisces retrogrades are inward facing, so get into meditation, journaling, dream work and mindful walking in nature in your own company without any particular agenda or plan.
Essentially, forget the old trope that Mercury retrograde is a cosmic villain.
In 2026, especially with this Pisces cycle, it’s better seen as a chance to slow down, rethink and return to what truly matters.
Kerry King has been reading, teaching and creating tarot for 30 years. Join her magical, exclusive Tarot Club for forecasts, predictions, lessons and readings straight to your inbox. Enjoy one month free for all Metro readers (no lock-in or commitment) over on Patreon.
Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.
MORE: Daily horoscope February 25, 2026: Today’s predictions for your star sign
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LookFantastic has released its iconic Beauty Egg for 2026, and we’ve taken a look at what’s inside. (Picture: Metro/LookFantastic)
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If you love a bargain and getting your hands on beauty products for less, you’ll be pleased to know that LookFantastic’s popular Beauty Egg is back again for another year.
Now in its tenth year, this curated edit of seven skincare, makeup and haircare comes with a massive saving – it’s valued at more than £230 but can be all yours for just £60.
LookFantastic Beauty Egg
Inside the Lookfantastic Beauty Egg, shoppers will find six full-size items and one miniature from some of beauty’s biggest names, such as Medik8, Sol de Janeiro, Color Wow and Benefit, all for a bargain price.
Better still, if you’re a monthly LookFantastic beauty box subscriber, you’ll get an extra 15% off on top of that.
You might be wondering what’s inside, so allow us to reveal all. Our top pick is the Rodial Collagen 30% Booster Drops, worth a huge £80 if you were to buy it on its own. Designed to be applied to skin before your moisturiser, it’s a concentrated dose of collagen that promises to combat the loss of elasticity, along with fine lines and wrinkles, that all appear as we age.
It costs more than the entire Beauty Egg, so it’s much more economical to splash out this Easter than to spend more to get what’s inside individually.
What’s inside the LookFantastic Beauty Egg?
111SKIN Cryo-De-Puffing Eye Mask (full size)
Rodial Collagen 30% Booster Drops (full size)
Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray (full size) | Full Size | Worth £27+
Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Serum (full size) | Full Size
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian 4 Play Moisturizing Shower Cream-Gel (mini size)
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer in Rose Amber (full size) | Full Size
Another big-ticket item that’s caught our eye is a brand new launch from Color Wow. Shoppers of this beauty egg will be able to get their hands on The Dream Coat Supernatural Spray, worth £27. It’s a heat-activated, shine-enhancing, anti-humidity hair spray designed to give you a glossy finish with built-in heat protection.
There’s more treats from Fenty Beauty, Sol de Janeiro, Medik8 and 111SKIN to unwrap this Easter, so run, don’t walk, to add it to your basket ASAP before it sells out.
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What’s in store for you today? (Picture: Metro.co.uk)
Today’s Quarter Moon brings whatever needs to be addressed into the spotlight. There’s no shying away from big things today.
Sagittarius, Aries and Gemini, amotions will spur that you didn’t expect. Whether your relationships with others or yourself, don’t be afraid to confront hard truths.
The cosmos is feeling bold today, so make sure you follow suit. Bravery may nit come easily, but it is necessary.
Ahead, you’ll find all the star signs’ horoscopes for today: Tuesday February 24, 2026.
Like checking your horoscope every morning? You can now sign up to our free daily newsletter to get a personalised reading for your star sign delivered straight to your inbox.
To download your free Unique Personal Horoscope based on your time, date and place of birth, visit patrickarundell.com/free-birth-chart/.
Aries
March 21 to April 20
Want action? The universe may be responding with riddles and feelings. Today’s lunar checkpoint lights up your communication zone, urging you to pause, reflect and rethink that impulsive text. Emotions and logic are both in the mix, so be curious, but give your instincts a vote too. Not every question needs an answer. And you’re not off track – you’re just mid story.
Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries
Today’s celestial guidance for Aries
Taurus
April 21 to May 21
A push-pull between practical priorities and idealistic visions shows up today. Feel conflicted between what makes sense and what speaks to your soul? Financial matters, self-worth or values could come up for review, so are you investing your time and energy wisely? Don’t rush decisions, instead try to explore your options. A thoughtful pause now saves headaches later.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus
Today’s planetary forecast for Taurus
Gemini
May 22 to June 21
The Quarter Moon shines a light on you and the many versions of you currently debating in your head. You’re buzzing with thoughts, ideas and plans, but it helps to feel first, then act. Career or life direction may seem vague, but certainty is found by staying open. Don’t rush to define it all, instead let the questions breathe. For now, emotional insights are just as important as strategies.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini
How the stars aligned for Gemini today
Cancer
June 22 to July 23
Does your inner world feel stirred up like a teacup in a storm? Your mind may be racing, your feelings surging and insight seems out of reach. Old emotions, spiritual questions or behind-the-scenes worries may bubble up, but don’t ignore them. This is a day for reflection, not reaction. Trust your intuition even if it talks in riddles, as the detour can often lead to the real destination.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer
Celestial energies for Cancer today
Leo
July 24 to August 23
Part of you wants to charm the crowd, lead the group meeting and juggle big ideas, while the other part craves a soulful moment alone with your thoughts. This is a day to check if your social circles and ambitions truly reflect your deeper desires. Be relaxed and curious about your plans and leave them open to revision. Magic happens when your deeper truth aligns with your words.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo
Your daily zodiac insight for Leo
Virgo
August 24 to September 23
Today’s lunation highlights issues between your career ambitions and personal connections. You like to be in control, but emotions and other people may not play by your rules. The Sun invites caring and flexibility, while the Moon stirs restless thoughts about your path and purpose. The result? You don’t need all the answers, just the right questions. Loosen your grip a little.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo
Cosmic messages for Cosmic messages for Virgo today
Libra
September 24 to October 23
Is your inner philosopher looking for some action? You may be caught between wanting clarity and floating through fog, seeking truth, yet distracted by shiny thoughts and emotional detours. Work, wellness or routines can feel off sync, asking you to zoom out and realign. Let go of overthinking and trust your deeper knowing. Today isn’t about perfection, it’s about perspective.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra
Your daily stellar guidance for Libra
Scorpio
October 24 to November 22
Your emotional depths may be stirred up but analysing it all logically could be impossible. Feel torn between diving into desire and pulling back for an overview, especially in matters of intimacy, creativity or trust? It’s a tug-of-war between vulnerability and detachment, so let it be both. Talk it out, feel it through and don’t rush resolution. Go for soulful edits, not final drafts.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio
Star alignments for Scorpio today
Sagittarius
November 23 to December 21
Today’s Quarter Moon spotlights relationships and the balancing act between head and heart. Conversations may twist like storylines and emotions bubble beneath witty banter. You desire connection, but also space. The Sun pulls you inward towards home and feeling, while the Moon stirs up dialogue and diversions with others. Let instinct translate what logic can’t quite grasp.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius
Today’s astral messages for Sagittarius
Capricorn
December 22 to January 20
Today is like a celestial check-in between doing and being. Your to-do list may be overflowing, but your soul is whispering, ‘Relax, please.’ You’re juggling work, wellness and emotional static, and trying to stay productive while navigating a sea of subtle feelings. No need to micromanage it all. It’s not about conquering the mountain, but about adjusting your footing.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn
Your zodiac forecast for Capricorn today
Aquarius
January 21 to February 19
The Moon in Gemini squares off with the Sun in Pisces, causing a skirmish between light-hearted fun and deeper meaning. Your creative spark is lit, but so is your sensitivity around self-worth and values. You may feel torn between expressing yourself freely and second guessing whether it truly matters. And it does. You’re busy collecting stardust for your next masterpiece.
Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius
Daily cosmic update for Aquarius
Pisces
February 20 to March 20
The dance between your inner world and outer demands is highlighted. You may be feeling everything, yet the world is asking for answers, emails and small talk you’d rather skip. Home, family or emotional comfort can tug at you, even as your mind races with decisions. Make space for stillness and let feelings inform facts. You’re not being moody, you’re just recalibrating.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces
Your cosmic energy update for Pisces
Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.
Check out the tarot horoscope reading for the month of February here.
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Take a trip here and they’ll welcome you with open arms (Picture: Getty Images)
David Hockney, Judi Dench, Ed Sheeran — it’s safe to say that Yorkshire is home to some of the UK’s friendliest famous faces.
But could Harrogate, a spa town nestled on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, be one of the most welcoming cities in the world?
As part of Booking.com’s 14th annual Traveller Review Awards, the company analysed more than 370 million verified reviews in order to identify destinations across the globe where you’d most likely walk away having made a friend or two.
And, as it turns out, us Brits have one such spot right on our doorstep.
Is everyone up North just friendlier by nature? (Picture: Getty Images)
Harrogate was named in the list of the world’s most welcoming cities, among destinations in Italy, Japan and Namibia. The Yorkshire town was also the only destination named in the UK.
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With the average house price sitting at £396,867, based on 2025 data from Rightmove, Harrogate is one of the most expensive towns in North Yorkshire to live in.
But it’s charm, independent shops, restaurants, and natural beauty, has won over visitors, with dozens of social media posts hailing the town as ‘peaceful’ and a ‘perfect escape’, and one creator saying she was ‘obsessed’ with the place.
So, only a three hour train away from London, what makes this little corner of Yorkshire so friendly?
An air of British charm and history
Harrogate is one of the most affluent areas of Yorkshire (Credits: Getty Images)
Metro sought the help of Harrogate local, Kate Chapman, 32, who was born in the town and raised in a nearby village, to tell us why it’s such a welcoming place.
Having lived in the area for more than 20 years, she thinks it’s ‘typical of the north’ to be friendly to strangers.
She adds: ‘The town likes to put on festivals and is very proud of it’s identity, and how it’s is represented.
Do you agree that Harrogate is a welcoming town?
Yes! Everyone is so lovely there.
I think other places are more friendly.
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‘From Betty’s Tearooms, to the Turkish Baths, all the venues are welcoming to visitors.’
It also gets the A-list seal of approval. Kate explains: ‘Celebrities love Harrogate! Carol Vorderman and Sinitta individually spent some time in the town over Christmas.’
In fact, 80s popstar Sinitta was so taken by the place, she described being ‘charmed beyond my imaginings.’ High praise indeed.
But, friendly as the locals might be, Kate warns against one major visitor faux pas: never, ever, confuse Harrogate with nearby Knaresborough, a town about three miles east. ‘It really irritates the locals!’ she notes.
Don’t confuse Harrogate with Knaresborough… (Picture: Getty Images)
Things to do and see in Harrogate
Whether it’s a simple morning strolling from coffee shop to coffee shop, or an action packed day of sight seeing, Harrogate has it all.
Family owned tea rooms and café Bettys is an institution beloved across the UK, with people flocking to its doors for over 100 years to try a slice of their Victoria Sponge, sample their iconic brunch, or buy a box of their signature Bettys chocolates.
The Turkish baths are another one of the most popular attractions in Harrogate. Widely used during Victorian times, only seven remain which date back to the 19th Century.
Boasting a high arabesque ceiling ornately decorated with colourful stencilled design, the baths are open every day, with varying times depending on when you visit. During the week, two hour slots cost £27, jumping up to £37 if you want to go on a Saturday or Sunday.
The baths offer three different kinds of sessions: ladies only, men only, and mixed. In all of these, guests are invited to move from one room to the next, enjoying three heated chambers, a cold plunge, steam room, and Frigidarium.
Speaking of lavish decor, the Wetherspoons is also worth a visit — and not just for a cheap pint.
Kate described the pub as ‘stunning’, and she’s not wrong. Once the heart of the former Harrogate Royal Baths, this Spoons sports an impressive stone staircase that leads down from the main entrance into the bar.
Not your average Wetherspoons that’s for sure (Picture: Getty Images)
There’s beautiful green spaces too. Valley Gardens covers 17 acres of English Heritage Grade II listed park-land. Strolling through this gorgeous park, you’ll come across themed gardens, floral displays and historic buildings.
And you won’t go hungry. The Pickled Sprout is botanical restaurant and bar which uses local ingredients from local sources – picture burgers to die for and sharing boards you’ll want for yourself.
Other top grazing spots include Tilly Peppers for a slice of cake and Hoxton North for some top-notch French toast.
Harrogate is also known for its wide variety of interior design shops aka the perfect stores to mooch around and envision your future home’s decor. Local favourites include Susie Watson Designs and William Woods Interior Design.
Valley Gardens is perfect for an afternoon stroll (Picture: Getty Images)
Finally, for a night out, Kate has a few recommendations in mind. For live music, head to independent bar Montey’s or Irish hotspot Kate O’Brien’s.
And if you’re on the hunt for a cocktail or two, stop off at MOJO’s and try one of their speciality drinks ‘Fast Car’ – just prepare yourself for a hangover the next day.
The town’s annual festivals also add to the welcoming, community feel.
The world’s longest-running and most prestigious celebration of crime writing, the Theakston crime writing festival is held at the end of July and attracts people from all across the UK.
Similarly, the Harrogate Comedy Festival, which typically takes place in October, is also loved by locals and tourists alike. It’s previously featured big name acts like Jack Dee, Ross Noble, and Henning Wehn.
One of the most notable events in Harrogate, which see thousands of Brits flocking to the area, is the annual Great Yorkshire Show.
The Great Yorkshire Show has been going on since the mid 19th century (Picture: Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)
From July 14 to 17 this year, the ‘biggest agricultural event in the England calendar’ will see attractions such as livestock competitions, showjumping, flower shows, alongside much more.
This particular event is almost always attended by a member of the Royal family. And given the fact that King Charles III has been a Patron of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society since 1998, who’s to say he won’t make an appearance this year?
Is Harrogate ‘ridiculously posh’?
Harrogate is considered an affluent area to many people, with a high demand housing market and significant cost of living expenses.
The typical first-time buyer home costs approximately £174,000, while rent in the town averages at about £1,586 per month.
Compared to the rest of Yorkshire, the spa town definitely stands out as a more quintessentially ‘posh’ area.
But while it’s been labelled by some social media users as ‘ridiculously posh’ with ‘pretentious’ cafés, Kate says that in reality, the town struggles with the same issues so many other locations across the UK do.
‘The high street is suffering,’ she shares. ‘Plus there isn’t much else there for young people especially.
‘As a teenager, there was only really the bowling alley and cinema (yes, Orange Wednesdays!).
North Yorkshire council is currently making a number of attempts to maintain local infrastructure, looking after public spaces and launching initiatives such as the North Yorkshire Local Assistance Fund (NYLAF) which provides emergency in-kind support for residents facing financial hardship.
And groups such as the Harrogate Mumbler have become integral to the community, compiling lists of day trips, activities and things to do with children in the area that are either low cost or no cost.
It’s this community feel that makes Harrogate truly stand out.
Alongside Harrogate, here were the other cities considered to be the most welcoming worldwide.
The most welcoming cities in the UK
The data from Booking.com also revealed the most welcoming cities just in the UK – do you spot your home town on the list?
Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Newry, County Armagh
Broadway, Worcestershire
Enniskillien, County Fermanagh
Portstewart, County Londonderry
Wells, Somerset
Dornoch, Highlands
Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire
Stornoway, Isle of Lewis
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
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DEAR ABBY: I am having a baby in five months. My doctor is recommending that anyone who visits the baby in the first three months be up to date on vaccines (Tdap, flu, COVID and RSV, if age 60-plus). We have decided to follow our doctor’s recommendations.
Some of my family members are resistant to getting these vaccines and want us to consider other options, like testing and wearing a mask, which is not as safe. Also, it would be hard for younger kids to do — my niece is 3. Abby, we vaccinated our young children (3 and 5) at the time when our niece was born, as part of what my sister requested.
I am already stressed about this situation and do not want to talk it to death with my family, and I have grown resentful because of it. In the past, I have set boundaries with my family, and most of them have not been understood or received well. Can you offer me some guidance? — EXPECTING IN WASHINGTON
DEAR EXPECTING: I am happy to try. When your baby arrives, the responsibility for its welfare will rest mostly on you, the mother. Follow your doctor’s medical advice to protect your child. If family members don’t want to respect your wishes and do what they must to avoid endangering your baby (as you did for them), realize you can’t change their minds, and keep your distance for the first three months.
DEAR ABBY: For nearly five years, my adult daughter was a domestic violence victim. My husband and I have done everything to support her freedom and new path. However, during her journey, she claimed that I had been abusive to her as a child. I do not recall any action I took that could be considered abusive, nor does my husband or her siblings.
I am finding it difficult to rationalize her recollection of events when she didn’t recognize her recent relationship was abusive. Anyhow, I’ve recommended individual and group therapy. However, I have not admitted to any abuse because it didn’t happen. We all feel she’s projecting her anger and resentment from this recent relationship onto me because I was honest from the beginning that I saw red flags. We had candid conversations about the offender prior to the separation. But she keeps defending him and blaming me for having inflicted pain and suffering on her.
Please tell me what you suggest I do to resolve this situation, as it is destroying our family. — DUMBFOUNDED IN DELAWARE
DEAR DUMBFOUNDED: Your daughter appears to be a troubled individual. I’m glad that you suggested therapy. The kind I would recommend would be family therapy, in which every member has a chance to air their “truths.” When someone in an abusive relationship attempts to deflect blame from their abuser onto someone else, they may be avoiding reality. A licensed psychotherapist could help put your daughter back on the right track.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
In a pub in Wrexham, Ben Aitken stood out like a sore thumb (Picture: Metro)
Welcome to B-List Britain,an exclusive Metro Travel series in which Ben Aitken, the award-winning author of Shitty Breaks, explores unsung cities that are quietly brilliant.
The aim is simple: to seek out the good stuff, uncover hidden gems, and demonstrate that anywhere (like anyone) can be interesting, if approached with the right attitude.
This week, he’s in a city with Hollywood connections…
When I think of Cymru, I think of Tom Jones, Fireman Sam, and the Welsh word for microwave (popty ping).
And when I think of Wrexham? Well, it’s just the Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds, really, who, alongside fellow thespian Rob McElhenney, bought the local football club a few years ago and turned it into a Disney+ documentary.
Wrexham resides in the top right corner of Wales, closer to Liverpool than Cardiff or Swansea.
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The English city of Chester is about ten miles to the north, and far too close for Wrexham’s liking.
After dropping my gear at The Lemon Tree (which is also an excellent restaurant), I proceeded to the Xplore! Science Discovery Centre (or Canolfan Darganfod Gwyddoniaeth to you and me), where I spent a happy hour fiddling with this, experimenting with that, and accidentally breaking the other.
To recover from the science, I had a swift pint at Drunk Monk, before moving on to The Rockin’ Chair, where a local band called Declan Swans were due on stage.
It was an odd gig, alright. The first song was about gout, the second was about diarrhoea, and the third was about a kangaroo called Timmy, who duly hopped out from the wings during the chorus.
After a late dinner at Lisbon (family-run, unassuming, cracking pork belly), I went looking for a bit of merriment.
I found it in spades at The Golden Lion, where, back in 1882, lager was first brewed on these shores, by two fellas from Germany who couldn’t stand the local booze.
The pub was crowded with locals – letting their hair down, having a sing-song – and I stood out like a sore thumb.
Wrexham High Street, buckets of character (Picture: Alamy Stock Photo)
When I pulled out my notebook and started jotting things down, a woman called Kathy staged an intervention. She leant across from the neighbouring table and asked – politely, mind – just WTF I thought I was up to.
When I explained that I was documenting unfashionable Britain, Kathy said that while I was welcome to run my eye over Wrexham and then share my thoughts, I should bear in mind that those thoughts wouldn’t count for much if I didn’t get amongst it.
‘Places are people in the end,’ she said, ‘so stop scribbling about the f***ing pork belly at Lisbon and get on your feet and sing a song with my cousin Raquel.’
The next morning, after a reviving stroll along the River Gwenny, I set off for the football. I don’t want to bang on too much about what’s happened with Wrexham AFC over the last few years, but given that we’re off to a game, perhaps a bit more context wouldn’t go amiss.
More B-List Britain: the UK’s unsung cities
In March 2020, the club was at a low ebb. They were in the fifth division and in danger of being relegated to the sixth.
Meanwhile, across the pond, Rob McElhenney, having been inspired by a football doc called Sunderland ‘Til I Die, was on the phone to his buddy Ryan Reynolds asking if he wanted to go halves on a football club.
Wrexham was selected because, in short, the club had buckets of pedigree and was practically at rock bottom. Wrexham’s first game with Rob and Ryan in attendance was away to semi-pro Maidenhead, who had a window cleaner in midfield.
When the celebrity duo did a walkabout in Wrexham the next day, I’m told it was a bit like when Charles and Diana visited in 1982.
Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds (right) and Rob McElhenney celebrate with the trophy after the Sky Bet League One match in April 2025 (Picture: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)
Throughout the above, a documentary was being filmed. When the first series landed, Wrexham’s star well and truly rose. It has been ascendant ever since.
I was sitting with the away fans, because it was the only way I could get a ticket. For the first half an hour, Wrexham were awful, but then they woke up and scored three times in quick succession.
Every time I took out my phone to photograph the Wrexham celebrations, my neighbour looked at me like I was the quintessence of filth.
After the match, I popped into The Turf, a pub that’s been featured heavily in the documentary.
I got chatting with a group of Canadians who’d travelled over especially for the football (the lunatics). Our conversation was nipped in the bud when a rumour started up that Nessa from Gavin & Stacey was doing a shift behind the bar.
While it was good to see The Turf so busy, I do wish there was something in Wrexham’s success story that other cities could learn from and apply.
But there isn’t, is there? Because the truth is that what happened to Wrexham was akin to an act of God. For a similar PR impact, the Pope would have to move to Nuneaton.
Narrowboats in the Trevor Basin (Picture: BerndBrueggemann/Getty Images)
The next morning, with a couple of hours to kill, I scored a cortado at a coffee shop called Bank Street Social, and then some stellar beans on toast at a place called Marubbi’s, which is claiming to be the oldest café in Wales.
As I was finishing my breakfast, a worker in high-vis overalls came in and ordered the XL. It came pretty quickly, but the toast was missing.
The lad brought this up with the waitress a couple of times, but the toast failed to materialise.
He was lovely about it, though, this lad, as he asked for the third time.
It got to me a bit, the sight of this strapping lad with indelicate manners, wolfing down his three egg, three bacon, three sausage and so on, saying ‘Don’t worry, it’s all good, no problem, okey dokey.’
When the toast finally came, some five minutes after the lad had finished his breakfast, he folded up the triangles and squashed the whole lot into his mouth, waving an unseen goodbye as he went.
It might sound daft, but that’s what travel is about for me. Little scenes like that.
I can hardly put the young man forward as a reason to visit Wrexham, of course. He might only eat at Marubbi’s once a week, for a start, and what if the toast comes promptly the next time he’s here?
No, if you’re going to come to Wrexham, come for the things that can be depended upon.
Come for the character of the streets and the buildings. Come for the amount of friendliness per capita. Come, if nothing else, to acquire a few lines of Welsh, including byddaf yn ôl, which means, as chance would have it, I’ll be back.
Ben Aitken is the author of Shitty Breaks: A Celebration of Unsung Cities.
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Octopus 2 pounds Australian Fremantle octopus (or BC octopus), cleaned Zest of 1 lemon (wide strips, no pith) Zest of 1 orange (wide strips, no pith) 2–3 sprigs fresh tarragon 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme Salt 2 tablespoons canola oil (for roasting) 1–2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
Instructions 1. Clean the Octopus Place the raw octopus in a large bowl and sprinkle generously with kosher salt. Massage and scrub the octopus until the texture feels smooth and slightly firm, about 2–3 minutes. Rinse thoroughly under cold running water. 2. Blanch Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Submerge the octopus for 1–2 minutes, just until the tentacles curl. Remove and immediately transfer to an ice bath to cool completely. 3. Sous Vide Cook Place the chilled octopus in a vacuum bag (or heavy-duty zip-top bag using the water displacement method). Add lemon and orange zest, tarragon, and thyme. Remove all air and seal. Cook in a water bath at 185°F (85°C) for 2 hours. Remove from the bag and transfer to an ice bath to chill completely. 4. Roast & Finish Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the octopus dry. Sear for 3–5 minutes per side, or until well browned and lightly crisped on the edges. Deglaze the pan with 1–2 tablespoons sherry vinegar, turning the octopus to coat. Slice into pieces.
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Black Garlic Puree 2 cups yellow onions, peeled and thinly sliced (about 2 medium onions) 1½ tablespoons garlic, peeled and thinly sliced (3–4 cloves) 1 tablespoon canola oil ¼ cup black garlic cloves (about 8–10 cloves) 1½ teaspoons sherry vinegar Salt, to taste
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Instructions 1. In a medium pot over medium heat, add the canola oil, sliced onions, and sliced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 8–12 minutes. Do not allow the mixture to brown — reduce heat if needed. 2. Add the cooked onion mixture to a blender along with the black garlic and sherry vinegar. Blend until completely smooth. 3. Pass the purée through a fine-mesh strainer for a silky texture. Season with salt to taste.
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‘Nduja Sofrito 3 tablespoons finely diced shallots (about 1 small shallot) 2 tablespoons ‘Nduja, casing removed ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika 1 garlic clove, minced 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil ½ cup roasted red pepper, peeled, seeded, and finely diced 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar Salt, to taste
Instructions 1. In a sauté pan over medium-low heat, combine the olive oil, N’duja, shallots, and garlic. Cook gently, stirring frequently, until the shallots are soft and translucent, about 5–7 minutes. Avoid browning. 2. Add the smoked paprika and cook for 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. 3. Stir in the diced roasted red peppers and cook for another 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors. Remove from heat and stir in the sherry vinegar. Season with salt to taste.
Instructions 1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 2. Add the sourdough slices and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp. 3, Remove from the pan and immediately rub one side of each slice with the peeled garlic clove. Serve warm.
What’s in store for you today? (Picture: Metro.co.uk)
Mars moves in tandem with Chiron in Aries, giving a more emotional angle to the day ahead than you may have felt in a while. Whatever comes up, feel it completely.
Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius, the only way to let go of old wounds is to go through the pain first. Stop pushing difficult feelings down and you will be set free.
Be gentle with yourself today, and practice gratitude. Inner healing is around the corner.
Ahead, you’ll find all the star signs’ horoscopes for today: Sunday February 22, 2026.
Like checking your horoscope every morning? You can now sign up to our free daily newsletter to get a personalised reading for your star sign delivered straight to your inbox.
To download your free Unique Personal Horoscope based on your time, date and place of birth, visit patrickarundell.com/free-birth-chart/.
Aries
March 21 to April 20
You’re stepping into powerful territory where action meets healing. As Mars forges an alliance with Chiron in your sign, this rare blend invites you to turn past wounds into present strength. You’re not just charging ahead, you’re doing so with deeper awareness and a renewed sense of purpose. Old hurts around identity or independence may resurface, but now you have the courage to face them.
Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries
Today’s celestial guidance for Aries
Taurus
April 21 to May 21
Today your cool exterior meets deep inner heat and healing. A potent aspect stirs buried frustrations or fears, especially around control, confidence or past mistakes. But there’s a gift here, you can finally take action. You have the power to make brave steps towards resolution while loosening your grip on old wounds. You don’t have to fix everything, just be willing to do things differently.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus
Today’s planetary forecast for Taurus
Gemini
May 22 to June 21
Today’s restorative merger fires up your mind while your feelings catch up. A proactive pairing invites you to confront old wounds around belonging, friendship or feeling too much or not enough in group dynamics. But you’ve got the courage to face it head-on, armed with wit and insight. Take action that’s bold and slightly rebellious while daring to be truly yourself.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini
How the stars aligned for Gemini today
Cancer
June 22 to July 23
You’re called to rise both professionally and personally and confront any old doubts whispering ‘not yet’. A powerful alignment lights up your career and purpose, nudging you to break free from outdated roles and face insecurities that once held you back. You’ll find your leadership strongest where you once struggled. Take a smart risk, speak with authority and own your brilliance.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer
Celestial energies for Cancer today
Leo
July 24 to August 23
Relationships and beliefs collide in a blaze of insight and growth. You may feel compelled to challenge old assumptions, especially those that told you to dim your light or play it safe. Energetic Mars urges courageous connection while healer Chiron highlights tender spots around confidence and conviction. Evolution unfolds when you act in alignment with who you truly are.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo
Your daily zodiac insight for Leo
Virgo
August 24 to September 23
Today’s therapeutic blend activates your zones of daily work, wellness and deep transformation. Old fears around control, vulnerability or imperfection may surface. You’ll have the energy to face what you’ve avoided and the chance to heal by doing things differently. Your practical nature is your strength now, so take the initiative, set boundaries and say no without guilt.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo
Cosmic messages for Cosmic messages for Virgo today
Libra
September 24 to October 23
The Mars-Chiron link turns relationships into both mirror and motivation. This aspect activates your zones of romance, creativity and partnership, stirring old wounds around love, trust or feeling seen. But today you’re ready to respond with courage. Speak from the heart, take a creative risk or express your desires honestly. Healing doesn’t have to be heavy, so see it as empowering and even playful.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra
Your daily stellar guidance for Libra
Scorpio
October 24 to November 22
The current line-up brings buried frustrations or self-doubt to the surface around work, health or routines. You’ll recognise your drive for control while sensing where perfectionism or old pain has held you back. Now is the time to simplify, set boundaries or begin a habit that respects your energy. Even the fiercest phoenix needs a reset, and yours begins with one brave step.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio
Star alignments for Scorpio today
Sagittarius
November 23 to December 21
Old wounds around self-expression, confidence or being ‘too much’ may resurface, but this time you’re ready to rewrite the script. Whether it’s romance, art or honesty, this is your moment to turn vulnerability into victory. Your creative spark meets a healing flame as Mars walks with Chiron. Say the thing, start the project, dance like no one’s watching or better still, like they are.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius
Today’s astral messages for Sagittarius
Capricorn
December 22 to January 20
Old wounds around safety, family or self-worth may be stirred, but now you have the courage and insight to transform them. This is about upgrading your inner support system, not just your surroundings. Be open at home, embrace your emotional needs and remember that strength doesn’t mean silence. Sometimes the bravest move is admitting that this truly matters.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn
Your zodiac forecast for Capricorn today
Aquarius
January 21 to February 19
Your words hold healing power. You’re fired up, speaking truth and challenging the norm, but now there’s deeper meaning behind the message. As passionate Mars in your sign aligns with Chiron, old wounds around being misunderstood or silenced may surface. Instead of holding back, you’re learning to speak openly. Use your voice wisely, as it can liberate others as well as you.
Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius
Daily cosmic update for Aquarius
Pisces
February 20 to March 20
You may feel a quiet but powerful nudge to heal what lingers beneath the surface, especially around self-worth, security and unseen fears. The good news is that you don’t need to shout to reclaim your power. Private breakthroughs still count. Whether it’s rewriting a money story, shedding self-doubt or forgiving yourself for being human, this is deep work, so trust your instincts.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces
Your cosmic energy update for Pisces
Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.
Head here for this week’s tarot horoscope reading, and see what the cards have in store for you!
Check out the tarot horoscope reading for the month of February here.
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