The site where Sadler's Wells now stands was originally a mineral spring known for its supposed healing properties. In 1683, Richard Sadler, a music teacher and impresario, discovered the spring on the grounds of his music house, giving birth to Sadler's Wells. It became a popular spot to drink the mineral water and get entertained by performers of many kinds, like musicians, tumblers, rope dancers and others. By the 18th Century, the prosperity of the music house had declined. Under Thomas Rosoman and, later, Thomas King, the music house became a theatre and many theatre acts were presented on stage alongside the traditional entertainment acts, pantomimes becoming especially popular in the 1770s. After many other exchanges of hands and reconstructions, in the early 20th century, the theatre also started showing films. It slowly started taking the shape that we know today after theatre proprietor and philanthropist Lilian Baylis acquired the property in 1931. She set Sandler’s Wells up to specialise in dance shows. The three companies Baylis helped develop eventually became the Royal Ballet, the National Theatre and English National Opera. The most recent form of the theatre opened to the public in 1998, designed by RHWL Architects, primarily focusing on contemporary dance performances. It continues this tradition today and is a great venue to catch a dance theatrical performance.

• The current main theatre at Sadler's Wells, which opened in 1998, was designed by the Arts Team division of the architects RHWL. 
  
• Sadler's Wells combines contemporary design elements with historical references. It incorporates the basics of Frank Matcham’s 1931 theatre, which had a brick design similar to the Victorian playhouse.
  
• The Lilian Baylis Studio, a smaller performance space within Sadler's Wells, has a more intimate and flexible design. It can be arranged in a number of formats, with raked seating, in a cabaret set-up or even as a large hall that can be fully customized. 
  
• The theatre underwent a major refurbishment in 2015 by De Matos Ryan, focusing on making the building more energy efficient,  environmentally friendly and more accessible.

Over the years, Sadler’s Wells has presented many notable performances. In 1995, the famous production Swan Lake was performed at Sadler’s Wells, and choreographed by Matthew Bourne. Another performance under Bourne’s name was The Car Man in 2015, which was a reimagination of the famous opera performance Carmen.  In 2008, a martial arts and contemporary dance performance of Sutra was also performed. In 2010, choreographer Russell Maliphant's AfterLight paid homage to the influential Russian ballet dancer Vaslav Nijinsky.

• Tube: The nearest tube station to Sadler's Wells is Angel, served by the Northern Line City Branch. The station is 250 metres from the theatre, however, does not have step-free access. Alternatively, Farringdon and King’s Cross are 1.5 km from the theatre, with step-free access for differently-abled visitors. 
  
• Bus: The closest stop is Sadler Wells bus stop served by bus routes 19, 38 and 341. 
  
• Parking: The theatre has a 15-space paid car park available at the back, off Arlington Way, for patrons who are 65+, Blue Badge holders or members of the Access for All Scheme. Charges are £6 for over 65-year-olds, and free for Access for All Scheme members and Blue Badge holders. Sadler’s Wells is located within London’s congestion charge zone. The nearest car park outside the congestion zone is on Parkfield Street.

• Washrooms: Sadler’s Wells hasmale and female restrooms. They are located in the basement and at the First and Second Circle levels.
  
• Gift shop: The venue has merchandise stalls where you can purchase souvenirs. 
  
• Cloakroom: A cloakroom is available to store small bags and luggage. 
  
• Lost and Found: A number is shared on the website that you can use to claim your lost items.
  
• Food and Drinks: You can buy drinks at one of the bars at the venue or even grab a bite at the Fox Garden Court Cafe.

• Book in Advance: It is advisable to book your ticket in advance to watch a show at Sadler's Wells. 
  
• Accessibility: For differently-abled visitors, it is recommended that they inform the venue in advance of their requirements for a hassle-free experience. 
  
• Food and Drinks: Sadler's Wells has multiple bars selling alcohol, soft drinks and snacks, however, they do not sell hot food. Hot food is not allowed inside the auditorium.
  
• Dress Recommendation: There is no official dress code at Sadler's Wells. We recommend smart casual attire. Do keep something warm at hand as the venue is air-conditioned. 
  
• Beverage Policy: Glass is not allowed in the auditorium, therefore all drinks purchased before the performance must be carried in plastic cups.
  
• Age Restriction: Generally, children under the age of five are not permitted in the theatre. However, if it is a child-friendly performance, children under the age of two can enter for free. 
  
• Recording Policy: Photography and videography are not allowed in the theatre.