Forget galleries and museums, Marc West finds creativity all around as he follows the outdoor art trail around Oxford

Oxford is full of jewels to charm the eyes of any culture vulture – with art galleries, museums and theatres as well as a rich heritage of breathtaking architecture and stunning scenery.

As part of Oxford City Council’s commitment to develop and promote the built environment, they’ve particularly sharpened their focus on outdoor art. Unlike the sometimes intimidating and somewhat sterile whitewashed walls of a more traditional institution, this art is available for all.

These pieces have become increasingly integral to new housing developments, hospitals, community parks and leisure centres across the city – all contained within easy walking (or at least cycling) distance, so you can freely enjoy and be inspired by the many individual and quirky works by some of the world’s most respected creatives purely by ambling around the cobbled streets.

One of the first pieces to greet a visitor to Oxford is a prominent sculpture opposite the railway station.

The Ox has long been a symbol of our fair city and Olivia Musgrave’s 2001 commission to celebrate the opening of the Said Business School continues this tradition with her bold statement piece that you simply cannot fail to notice.

But, remember to always look up, down and all around – as like all good art, some pieces are not always immediately obvious – especially my particular favourite which majestically overlooks the corner of Broad Street and The Turl. Perched high atop Exeter College’s Thomas Wood Building since 2009, Another Time XI is a two metre tall figure of a man that’s instantly recognisable as the work of superstar sculptor Anthony Gormley.

Nearby in the recently refurbished Bonn Square is another piece that I’d suggest taking a little time to reflect upon. A gift to Oxford in 2009 to commemorate 60 years of twinning with the German city, Diana Bell’s Books is cast in beautiful bronze and inscribed with the words Knowledge, Understanding, Friendship and Trust.

Then, on my way home, I make yet another (failed) attempt at solving artist Liam Curtin’s riddle hidden within the series of 58 bronze ingots laid into the pavement either side of the Cowley Road. Since 2005 this has remained a mystery to me... so, if you know the answer, please tweet me @marcwestoxford

To date, there are 22 works to enjoy again and again – including the likes of Turner Prize winner Mark Wallinger’s Y at Magdalen College, Fusion Arts’ community project The Glow Tree in Blackbird Leys and Bill Heine’s infamous Headington Shark. For more information – and a handy map to locate all – see visitoxford.org