The present invention relates to a separating apparatus for separating particles from a fluid flow. Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a domestic 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, wherein the electrostatic filter is in fluid communication with the at least one cyclone via an air passage, at least a portion of the air passage being formed longitudinally through the separating apparatus, wherein at least a portion of the first cyclonic cleaning stage, the electrostatic filter and the air passage are arranged concentrically.