The present invention relates to a separating apparatus for separating particles from a fluid flow. Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a vacuum cleaner having such a separating apparatus for removing dust particles from a dust laden airstream. The separating apparatus includes a first cyclonic cleaning stage including at least one cyclone, and an electrostatic filter located downstream of and in fluid communication with the at least one cyclone, wherein at least a portion of the electrostatic filter is located longitudinally through the separating apparatus, at least a portion of the first cyclonic cleaning stage being arranged around the electrostatic filter.