Birkenhead is a large town that is separated from the city of Liverpool by the River Mersey. Both ferries and road tunnels connect the two, with the result that many Liverpool commuters live in Birkenhead.

Birkenhead also has a long industrial history, having grown hugely during the 19th century when it became important as a shipbuilding centre and seaport. Today there is more ship repair than shipbuilding but the area's maritime engineering ties are as strong as ever.

Towns and districts close to Birkenhead include Wallasey, Bebington and Seacombe and the town is connected to Ellesmere Port by the M53 motorway. Birkenhead itself has a population of more than 80,000 people and the town itself has the largest concentration of Grade I-listed buildings outside London.

Van hire is readily available in the Birkenhead area and all popular types of van can be rented:

• 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).