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, a second cyclonic cleaning stage arranged downstream from the first cyclonic cleaning stage, and an elongate filter arranged downstream from the second cyclonic cleaning stage, wherein the filter is at least partially surrounded by the first cyclonic cleaning stage.