An American couple who "developed a love of Britain" have named a seaside town as their number one "hidden gem". Jeremy and Cara, known as The Magic Geekdom, fell in love with England after friends brought food back from the UK in 2018.

They finally managed to cross the Atlantic in 2022, before visiting the following year for a six-month tour. After exploring the length and breadth of the country, the pair picked a Victorian town in North Yorkshire as their top "hidden gem". The pair said they discovered Saltburn "by chance" when looking for an affordable place to stay in the North East.

The North Yorkshire town, however, completely captivated the pair. Speaking on their YouTube channel, Cara said: "We discovered this hidden gem completely by chance when looking for an affordable place to stay on the Yorkshire coast.

"What we found was an absolutely charming, Victorian seaside town that completely won us over. One of the coolest things about Saltburn is that it is home to the oldest water-balance cliff lift in the UK."

Saltburn Cliff Lift, in particular, left a lasting impression on the couple. This 120ft structure, erected between 1883 and 1884, holds the title of the oldest operational water-balance cliff funicular—a cable railway system—in the United Kingdom, connecting the town with its pier, reports Yorkshire Live.

Cara enthused: "The experience is quintessentially English, even down to the beautiful stained-glass windows featuring seagulls. Trust me, it is worth taking a ride just for the experience alone."

Cara also highlighted Saltburn's pier, which is the last remaining pleasure pier on the Yorkshire coast. It dates back to 1869 and was made from local iron, offering views of the picturesque town.

The pair relished the area's "wonderful low-key" ambiance, with Jeremy also lauding the sandy stretch at Saltburn's coast saying: "The beach here is gorgeous. A nice sandy beach with beautiful water that rivals anywhere in the Yorkshire coast."

And while Cara and Jeremy enjoyed the fact the town was quieter than some seaside resorts, they said it was the "perfect blend of character and activity". They noticed the number of independent shops in the Saltburn along with its popularity among surfers.

During their visit to Saltburn, the pair enjoyed fish and chips on the seafront before heading to the Alexandra Vaults, known as the Back Alex. Cara said: "It's this wonderful backstreet pub with fantastic vibes, movie memorabilia and a great selection of drinks."

Jeremy summarised his thoughts, highlighting what makes Saltburn "so special": its success in preserving "Victorian charm while being a living, moving town", distinguishing itself from typical coastal getaways. He added: "It's the perfect mix of history, natural beauty and modern amenities, all while somehow staying under the radar."