Braehead Arena

Just a 25 minute drive outside of Glasgow, Braehead Arena is a big ol' shiny concert venue which sees no fewer than 1.5 million punters through its doors per year.

It also boasts some pretty impressive facilities and equipment. Fair enough, there's sometimes a Jedward sort of vibe to its programme of events, but even those dodging the mainstream should keep an eye out, not least because Braehead's dreamy sound quality and huge audience capacity makes for quite the experience. Even the biggest Disney on Ice cynics might find it hard to resist Buzz Lightyear's skating stunts when presented with an absolutely ace sightline, or The Little Mermaid's lilting melodies when seeping through a superior soundsystem. And if all that ice-action leaves you wistful for more, they've got you covered - just check out the website to find details of public skating sessions, lessons and recreational ice-hockey games. The Arena is also home to the Braehead Clan, Glasgow's only professional ice hockey team, so who knows - perhaps you'll be lucky enough to bump into one of their players on the rink? (Figuratively speaking, of course.) [Kate Pasola]