Cryptic Crosswords
Cryptic crosswords are an enjoyable and stimulating pastime very popular in the u3a. It’s a great activity for u3as, giving members the opportunity to share their learning and enjoyment of solving puzzles.
Solving cryptic crosswords is fun to do and provides a good work out for the mind. It exercises the memory and thinking skills — such as analysis, deduction and lateral thinking — and stimulates an interest in words, language and general knowledge.
Online Programme for January-May 2026
Cryptic Crosswords in Context: 45-minute talk + Q&A
For anyone intrigued by cryptic crosswords who would like to find out more.
Wednesday 28 January, 10:00-11:00am
This tells the story of the cryptic crossword and its place in our culture. Find out how cryptic crosswords work, where they came from, who solves them and why, and how people learn this skill.
Introduction to Cryptic Crosswords: 2-hour taster session
For anyone who would like to try their hand at solving cryptic clues.
Wednesday 25 February, 10:00-12:00pm
Learn how to solve two types of clue and be introduced to the variety of cryptic clues.
Cryptic Crosswords for Beginners: six-week course starts 22 April
For anyone who wants to learn how to solve cryptic crosswords.
Wednesdays 22, 29 April, 6, 13, 20 and 27 May, 10:00–11:30am
Available for booking from Monday 23 February to Monday 6 April
A comprehensive course that leads to an enjoyable and mentally stimulating new pastime.
u3a members attending these events say:
"It was a stimulating and most inspirational session and I am definitely going to take up Cryptic Crosswords as a hobby now."
"I enjoyed doing something to engage my brain and felt I learned so much. Actually completed the Observer Everyman crossword this weekend, solely due to taking the course."
About the adviser
My name is Henry Howarth and I have taught over 700 u3a members how to solve cryptic crosswords. Some of the people I have taught have set up crossword groups in their u3as.
I am also the author of Learn How to Solve Cryptic Crosswords: A Course for Beginners and the app Learn Cryptic Crosswords.
My website has information about learning cryptic crosswords: www.czdcrosswords.co.uk
Cryptic Crossword groups in u3as
There are about 130 u3a crossword groups in the UK.
Many groups focus on solving and these may be for improvers only, for beginners only, or cater for both. Some also set puzzles and this may be the focus of the group.
Anyone can learn how to solve cryptic clues, and with practice develop their skills further. This is an activity that has appeal among third agers and there should be enough interest in most u3as to support a group.
Resources
The u3a Cryptic Crosswords group start-up leaflet provides practical guidance on getting a crossword group underway.
The Resources for u3a crossword groups provides suggestions, guidance and links to resources that can be used in cryptic crossword groups for beginners, improvers and setters.
This course has been used by a number of group leaders and taught to many u3a members.
It starts with the simplest ideas and easiest types of clue and builds step by step to the advanced aspects of solving through six modules. Each topic is followed by exercises and practice clues, each module ends with specially designed practice puzzles and there is also a comprehensive set of reference tools.
“I have finished the weekend Telegraph crossword for the first time ever. Am thrilled, your course is super.” Pauline Manson, Poole u3a 2016.
Learn How to Solve Cryptic Crosswords u3a course guide
The course book contains all the course content. The first chapter is available as a sample for download.