If you grew up in the 60s or 70s, there's a good chance you didn't even see a computer as a child. If you were lucky enough to see one, you'll remember how enormous they were back then, often taking up most of a room.placeholder image
If you grew up in the 60s or 70s, there's a good chance you didn't even see a computer as a child. If you were lucky enough to see one, you'll remember how enormous they were back then, often taking up most of a room. | Getty Images

15 photos you'll only truly understand if you grew up in the 60s and 70s

Robert Cumber
By Robert Cumber

Property and retro writer

Published 21st Mar 2026, 07:00 GMT

It was a period known for its bold fashions and the whiff of revolution, often accompanied by a cloud of marijuana, in the air.

Whether you rocked double denim or geometric miniskirts, bell-bottoms or platform shoes, there are some things you’ll almost certainly remember if you grew up in the 60s or 70s.

This retro photo gallery takes you back to those heady days, capturing many of the most ubiquitous sights, sounds and flavours of two momentous decades.

From school rituals to popular shops and sweet treats, these nostalgic pictures are sure to bring back memories for anyone who lived through those days.

What are your best memories of the 60s and 70s, and what do you miss most about life back then?

The Isle of Wight Festival, which first took place between 1968 and 1970, was the UK's answer to Woodstock. The 1970 edition attracted some of the biggest acts of the day, including Jimi Hendrix, The Who and Joni Mitchell, who played to over 600,000 people. It wasn't just about the music, of course. It was a celebration of the hippie lifestyle, as revellers gathered to talk peace and love, and chill out while smoking marijuana.

13. Festival fun

The Isle of Wight Festival, which first took place between 1968 and 1970, was the UK's answer to Woodstock. The 1970 edition attracted some of the biggest acts of the day, including Jimi Hendrix, The Who and Joni Mitchell, who played to over 600,000 people. It wasn't just about the music, of course. It was a celebration of the hippie lifestyle, as revellers gathered to talk peace and love, and chill out while smoking marijuana. | Getty Images Photo: Evening Standard

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British Home Stores (BHS) was a lynchpin of the country's high streets during the 60s and 70s. Children are pictured here eyeing up toys at the department store in October 1978.

14. BHS

British Home Stores (BHS) was a lynchpin of the country's high streets during the 60s and 70s. Children are pictured here eyeing up toys at the department store in October 1978. | Getty Images Photo: Evening Standard/Hulton Archive

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Blue Peter was first broadcast in 1958, and it was one of the biggest children's TV shows of the 60s and 70s. If you grew up then, you'll probably remember the 1970 Christmas Appeal, for which viewers were asked to donate old cutlery to be melted down to raise money for good causes. Blue Peter presenters John Noakes, Valerie Singleton and Peter Purves are pictured here with a small part of the huge haul, and some of the schoolchildren who helped gather the spoons and forks.

15. Collecting old cutlery

Blue Peter was first broadcast in 1958, and it was one of the biggest children's TV shows of the 60s and 70s. If you grew up then, you'll probably remember the 1970 Christmas Appeal, for which viewers were asked to donate old cutlery to be melted down to raise money for good causes. Blue Peter presenters John Noakes, Valerie Singleton and Peter Purves are pictured here with a small part of the huge haul, and some of the schoolchildren who helped gather the spoons and forks. | Getty Images Photo: William Vanderson/Fox Photos/Hulton Archive

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