So let's get this right - London to Crewe (and yep I can confirm things haven't changed too much in the last 20 years) then to Liverpool and then back home. This has the ring of a 'Wallace and Gromit' style Great Adventure.
You could always call at Warrington and then go across to Liverpool - will add about 1 hour to the journey however one more JDW to tick off.
Also have a look for the Virgin 1st Class Ghost Carriages on the Edinburgh service - located next to the real (over priced) first class carriages however without the at seat service but you do get free wi-fi.