Hunwick is an ancient village dating from Saxon times when it belonged to the Cathedral church of Durham.
It was later given to the Earls of Northumberland, but it returned to the ownership of the church when Henry VIII re-endowed Durham cathedral.
The remains of the medieval manor house of Hunwick is now a farmhouse; its former chapel has now been converted into a private residence by a local architect.
Hunwick's close proximity to the visitor attraction Kynren has made it a popular place to stay and use of the restaurants of the public houses have benefitted.
Gem Archer, who has played guitar in bands such as Heavy Stereo, Oasis and Beady Eye, and now Noel Galagher's High Flying Birds was born in Hunwick.