Tours of the Palace of Westminster were until now only possible if voters approached their MP, but now, for £3.50 a head, people can see inside. But will the tours really entertain children and parents during the holidays?

Visitors begin on the Queen's ceremonial path through the Robing Room into the Royal Gallery. The architecture and decoration are magnificent, providing a sense of the grandeur of state occasions. The tour proceeds through the Lords before moving to the less ornate Commons.

Every corner and flagstone is steeped in history but what really made the tour was our guide, who remained cheerful despite a rigorous cross-examination by full-time journalists. It may be my lack of journalistic experience, but I believe I should say whether the tour is worthwhile, rather than find out that smoking was banned in the Commons in 1693.

One thing you might like to know is the origin of such phrases as 'sitting on the fence', 'toeing the line', and 'throwing down the gauntlet'; ask your guide.

The 75-minute tour may be tedious for younger children but I enjoyed it, and recommend it to adults, older children and anyone with even a passing interest in history.

• Tours run from 7 August until 16 September, Mondays to Saturdays, from 9.30am until 4.15pm. Tickets must be booked at least five days ahead from Ticketmaster (020 7344 9966).