Carmarthen's medieval heritage is evident throughout the town. Carmarthen, which sits by the River Towy, was a Roman stronghold and Carmarthen's Roman Amphitheatre is one of just seven remaining in the UK, making it a popular visitor attraction. Also popular with visitors are Carmarthen Castle, believed to date around 1223 and the remains of Carmarthen's Roman fort, which probably date around AD75.

Closer to the present day, the mid-18th century saw the beginning of the growth of substantial coal mining and iron-making industries in the area, transforming Carmarthen's formerly agricultural economy into a much more heavily industrialised one - as was the case with many towns in South Wales. Carmarthen is said to have a relatively high population of Welsh speakers and is home to the headquarters of the Dyfed-Powys Police Force, which covers the largest police area in England and Wales.

Carmarthen today is home to around 13,000 people, many of whom commute to other nearby towns. Carmarthen's port is no longer used commercially, although there is some private use of the harbour area. The town itself has a mixture of retail, light industry and tourist and leisure businesses, including local van hire companies who offer a good range of rental 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).