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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 Thursday 15 October 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 — 2pm to 3.30pm — on Tuesdays, 3, 10, 17, 24 November and 1 and 8 December 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.

About Henry Howarth

Henry has a relaxed and engaging style. He has taught over 1,000 adults how to solve cryptic crosswords and is the author of the book Learn How to Solve Cryptic Crosswords and the app Learn Cryptic Crosswords.

This event is for u3a members only and will be held online via Zoom.

To find out more about u3a and how to join, visit: u3a - Join a u3a