Fantasy: Buckingham Palace

The royal family doesn’t actually do any real governing anymore. They’re just like mascots for the British people. Their home, Buckingham Palace, and their Royal Guard are throwbacks to a bygone era when things like royalty mattered.

Stop on by Buckingham Palace for a trip in a time machine and watch the Royal Guard strut around shouting and marching. Just don’t be that obnoxious tourist who tries to make the guards laugh or talk. They’re trained soldiers just trying to do their job.

Reality: Buckingham Palace

What time of year are you planning this trip to see the Queen’s Guard? It’s doesn’t matter, pack an umbrella. It will be raining no matter when you go. In fact, it’s rarer that you have a sunny day in London than a rainy one.

Despite this, thousands of people stand in the rain every year to get a glimpse of the Palace and the guards. So be prepared to stand in the rain, rows deep just to watch some guys in ridiculously tall hats march.