Overview

Join Henry Howarth, u3a Subject Adviser for Cryptic Crosswords, for a six-session course on how to solve cryptic crosswords.

Please note registration closes on Monday 6 April 2026. You will need the course book detailed below to participate in this course.

This six-session course will teach you how to solve cryptic crosswords. It starts with the simplest ideas and easiest types of clue and gradually builds to the more advanced aspects of clue solving. At the end of the course you will understand how cryptic clues work, be able to solve clues at an intermediate level of difficulty and know how to develop your skills further. This is a stimulating course that can lead you to an enjoyable new pastime.

Times and dates:

Six Zoom sessions —10am to 11.30am — on Wednesdays, 22, 29 April, 6, 13, 20 and 27 May 2026.

There will be a small amount of recommended home study between sessions.

What you will need:

• Laptop, iPad or tablet computer
• Broadband connection
• The course book: ‘Learn How to Solve Cryptic Crosswords: A Course for Beginners’ is available only from the Bookstore at Lulu linked here — allow up to 12 business days (Monday to Friday) for order fulfilment. You can download the first chapter in the book here: https://www.u3a.org.uk/learning/subjects/cryptic-crosswords— scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the last yellow box entitled ‘Learn How to Solve Cryptic Crosswords: A Course for Beginners’ and it’s the last PDF.

It's free for any u3a member but it does require booking. More details and the booking link is here.........Cryptic Crosswords