M25 J9 to M62 J4

[justtryingtofindsomeadvice]

M25 J9 to M62 J4

I live in Essex and I'm working in Liverpool on Friday evening/Saturday. My boyfriend offered to drive us on Friday morning for a little road trip for the weekend, then back Sunday evening. This is our first road trip together.

I'd like to surprise him with a route that hits all his driving pleasure criteria - bends, forests, backroads and independent pubs to have a break at. But as a non-driver I have no experience with planning a good driving route, so I've ended up making an account here to ask for some advice. He has a mx5 nb.

Schedule

• Friday - leave at 10am, aim to arrive in Liverpool before 4pm
• Sunday - leave Liverpool at 9am, leisurely drive through scenic routes, aim to be back home at 8pm (he has to drive back to his place on M3 J12, so can't come back too late)

Questions

• What should I look out for when planning a route?
• Does anyone have any nearby off-route suggestions?
• Are the 'Forestry England' scenic drives worthwhile?
• What driving amenities should I consider putting on the map?
• What are the best snacks to avoid big mess/spills?
• What things should I bring to make the driving journey more comfortable?
• Do you think we could take a nice driving route through parts of Wales?

Correct me if I'm wrong

• On Friday we should take the M6 toll
• On Sunday we should 100% book lunch at a pub for Sunday roast
• I shouldn't complain if he plays an awful playlist during part of the trip

I really appreciate any advice. I've looked at a few posts about drives near Liverpool, and I found most were above the city which I'd like to avoid as we need to drive back south. Looking forward to learning and hopefully this will be the first of many road trips to come!