Oxford to Frodsham Scenic Route Suggestions

[LennyM1984]

My friend has recently moved to Frodsham (nearish Chester) and is having a house warming party on Saturday. The standard route seems to be all motorways but I quite fancy taking my fun car and making a bit of an event out of the journey.

I don't really know the leg after Birmingham (despite being born in Manchester, I'm a bit of a southern softy!) so was wondering if anybody had any suggestions?

I can't have it taking too much longer (I have stuff to do on Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon) but I'm happy with a minor detour if it makes it more interesting. If not, I'll just take my normal car and listen to the radio