If you haven't already, check out Cycling Plus UK magazine (here's their affiliated website). I subscribed to it last year and it's a great magazine with lots of beautiful riding routes and informative bike/gear reviews. According to them, touring's actually pretty big in the British Isles.

I'm sure you'll get lots of votes for the Cross Check. I love my Specialized 'cross bike, but I've been considering a Cross Check as a new bike for the same reason that you're considering it. And there are several folks here who ride them and love 'em. It does seem to be a great choice for an all 'round, be-whatever-you-want-it-to-be bike.

Though I wish it came in more colors than black and pale grey...