Lilian.resin

Lilian.resin is a contemporary resin art gallery just outside Barnet, where you'll find work that's frankly rather striking if abstract colour and texture appeal to you. The pieces on display tend toward bold, layered compositions - the kind of thing that photographs better than you'd expect and rewards standing in front of it for a proper look.

It's a small operation, so don't arrive expecting a full afternoon's entertainment. Most visitors spend 30-45 minutes here, which is about right. The work itself is technically clever - resin casting and pouring demands serious skill - and there's something satisfying about seeing how the material catches light differently depending on where you stand.

Art enthusiasts and anyone keen on contemporary craft will get more from it than casual visitors. If your kids are old enough to appreciate abstract work without immediately asking when they can leave, fair enough, but younger ones might find it a bit slow. It's the sort of place that works best if you've got a genuine interest in the medium or you're combining it with something else in the area.

For a caravan holiday based at The Mimms or Theobalds Park, this makes a decent half-morning stop if the weather's poor or you want something low-key between outdoor activities. The proximity to Barnet means you're not driving far out of your way. Worth a visit if you're into this sort of thing, but don't plan your whole trip around it.