I have a Henri[etta] and it was the best £90 I ever spent...I don't think that expensive at all to be honest! Sucks up everything and can fall down stairs with out a scratch....lol
I also have wood floors and carpets. Henry is great and has excellent suction but make sure you get one with a secure hose (nose?) attachment. Mine is the push in and twist and it keeps falling out which annoys me no end. Make sure you get one with a full screw in attachment.
Otherwise a couple of friends swear by Miele.
Sorry, but latest Which? tests results say that all the decent vacuum cleaners ( Dyson, Miele, Sebo) ARE pricey. The Vax uprights you mention are "Warning Don't Buys" - performance is awful. And Numatic Henry isn't much better- no matter what people on here say!
Bought a Vax cylinder - it was complete rubbish. Took it back to the shop the following day and bought a Miele cat and dog. That was 5 years ago and it's still as good as new. Expensive maybe but you get what you pay for.
Go onto Bissel Direct. I have just bought one from there(my daughter has one from there too).They have a pet Bissel on offer at ther moment, reduced from £259.00, down to £79.99. A real bargain, new with 2 years guarantee. We have a long haired german shepherd and this vacuum cleaner gets the hairs up no problem. It also has a lift off part which makes hoovering the stairs easier. Have a look and see what you think....