Bristol itself has a long history, having been formally recognised as a town since 1155 and a county since 1373. The city is home to around half a million people and has a long history of shipbuilding, trade and industry. While its importance as a port waned during the 19th century, its reputation for industry and engineering did not. The town's Clifton Suspension Bridge, the first Great Western Railway and the early steamships SS Great Britain and SS Great Western were all the product of Bristol's engineering know how and manufacturing might.

The old dock areas are today being heavily redeveloped for residential and leisure purposes and provide a very pleasant environment. The remaining dock activity has migrated downstream to Avonmouth, where it is less affected by tidal flows.

Today Bristol remains a centre of industry - but of a much more high tech nature. The area around Bristol is home to several hundred electronics and computer companies and the financial services industry is also a major employer - with an estimated 40,000 employed at one point.

Tourism is important too, and Bristol has much to offer in this regard. From Brunel's steamship, the SS Great Britain, to churches, parks, nightlife and giant shopping centres, Bristol has something to appeal to all generations of visitor.

For residents, Bristol offers the convenience of living in a large, thriving city, where almost every type of service is available without having to travel far. Van hire in Bristol certainly falls into this category, with a range of van rental companies providing a comprehensive selection of hire vans:

• Medium / short wheelbase vans - e.g. Ford Transit, Vauxhall Vivaro, Renault Trafic, Volkswagen Transporter
• Small vans - e.g. Vauxhall Combo, Ford Transit Connect, VW Caddy
• Large / long wheelbase vans - e.g. Mercedes Sprinter XLWB, Ford Transit LWB, Renault Master, LDV Maxus
• Luton vans & box vans (3.5 tonne / 3.5t).