[10] The district is Y-shaped and oriented to the south, with the Rybinsk Reservoir separating the two southern portions of the land.

The lower course of the Sheksna crosses the area of the district, and the city of Cherepovets is located in the mouth of the river.

The Sheksna was always one of the main waterways connecting central Russia with Lake Onega and with the Northern Dvina.

In 1777, the town of Cherepovets was founded as a merger of several villages, and in 1802, it became the seat of Cherepovetsky Uyezd of Novgorod Governorate (into which the viceroyalty was transformed in 1796).

Simultaneously, the uyezds were abolished, and Cherepovetsky District was established with the administrative center in the city of Cherepovets.

On September 23, 1937, Cherepovetsky District was transferred to newly established Vologda Oblast and remained there ever since.

Abakanovsky District with the administrative center in the selo of Abakanovo[11] was abolished in September 1931.

[2] Ulomsky District with the administrative center in the village of Korotovo[12] was abolished on September 20, 1931.

Myaksinsky District with the administrative center in the selo of Spas-Myaksa[14] was abolished on November 12, 1960.

[16] A114 highway, connecting Vologda to Cherepovets and Saint Petersburg, crosses the district from east to west.

A railway connecting Vologda with St. Petersburg crosses the district from east to west and passes through Cherepovets.