If you are heading to the mainland later this week, expect one of the most challenging days in recent times when it comes to travel.

Industrial action will hit Red Funnel's Isle of Wight ferry sailings, South Western Railway (SWR) train routes and London transport, on respective days between Thursday, August 19 and Sunday, August 21.

Here's what we know about how each service will be affected - and what to do about it.

Meanwhile...the advice from train operator, SWR, is to stay home and if you must travel, to seek alternative means.  

Red Funnel's Isle of Wight ferry service 

As month-long strike action continues on Red Funnel's Isle of Wight ferry service, August 19 is among the days earmarked for fewer services.

Passengers with bookings have already received emails from the operator, detailing any changes to their journey.

The East Cowes to Southampton vehicle ferry route is worst affected in the dispute over pay and working conditions, with action also planned for August 17 and 23, among other dates to the end of the month.

SWR trains from Southampton and Portsmouth

Isle of Wight County Press:

On Thursday, August 18 and Saturday, August 20, we are warned to expect severe disruption and large parts of the railway closed entirely.

On Friday, August 19 and Sunday, August 21, trains will start later than usual and are expected to be extra busy.

No trains are expected to run from Portsmouth on the two rail network strike days, Thursday, August 18 and Saturday, August 20.

On the two strike days, two trains per hour will run between Southampton Central and London Waterloo. Trains will not stop at all the stations on the route.

There will be no strike-related disruption on Island Line, between Shanklin and Ryde, however.

SWR is urging passengers to stay home if possible and a spokesperson said: "Customers who need to travel during the strike period should seek to do so by other means."

London Transport strike action

If you do manage to get to London successfully, you could be hit by action on the capital's own transport network.

Industrial action is planned on TfL services, both on the underground and overground, all day on Friday, August 19.

Some routes will also be affected by action on Saturday, August 20.