This historic market town of Fareham, in Hampshire, dates back to Norman times. The town's port has always been important but today retail and service industries predominate - one recent estimate put 15% of employment in the retail sector.

The clay soil native to the area has historically provided the town with industry in the form of brick and tile works. These are no more and Fareham today is more of a retail and commuter base for the surrounding area - and London.

Visitors to Fareham enjoy the town's historic buildings, port, shops and restaurant as well as the nearby Portchester Castle, Royal Armouries Museum and Hovercraft Museum. Nature lovers should also visit the Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve and Swanwick Lakes Wildlife Reserve.

Fareham's road connections are excellent - the M27 motorway is just to the north of the town and access to the A3 and M3 is also good. Van hire's not a problem - expect to be able to hire any of the following from local van rental companies:

• 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).